Effects of Combined Physical and Cognitive Stimulation on Go/No-Go Performance in Older Women: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine within-subject changes associated with a 12-week multicomponent training program combined with cognitive stimulation in cognitive–motor performance in older women, and to evaluate changes in cognitive status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thirty-three participants aged 70.24 (4.32) years were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cognitive–motor performance was evaluated using a Go/No-Go task, including reaction time (RT), omission errors, and commission errors. Cognitive status was assessed using the Memory, Fluency, and Orientation (MEFO) score, and HRQoL was evaluated with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Mixed-effects models showed a significant reduction in RT (Δ = 51.5 ms, p < 0.001; d = 0.50) and omission errors (OR = 0.04, p < 0.001), and an increase in commission errors (OR = 2.06, p = 0.008). Cognitive status improved significantly (Δ = 0.45, p = 0.021; d = 0.34), whereas HRQoL improved only in the general health dimension (Δ = 6.82, p = 0.004; d = 0.53). Overall, the intervention was associated with a reorganization of Go/No-Go performance, characterized by faster responding, but increased commission errors, indicating no improvement in motor inhibition. These findings suggest that this multidomain approach is feasible and warrants evaluation in randomized controlled trials.