Effects of Exergame and Gross Motor-Cognitive Training in Older Adults: An RCT

The test measures the time it takes for a person to react to a falling ruler by measuring how far the object falls before it is caught. The distance will be recorded in cm by measuring from the zero point to the highest part of the participant's hand. If the ruler is dropped to the ground, a score of 51 cm is assigned by adding 1 cm. Only one practice trial will be performed to familiarize the participant with the test, which will then be executed 3 times, using the average distance in cm for data analysis. The reaction time will be calculated using the formula t = √2d/g, where d is the distance traveled by the ruler in meters, g is the acceleration of gravity (9,81 m/s2), and t is the ruler's fall time in seconds.

The test assesses the time taken by the upper limbs to perform lateral movements in a sequential, orderly, and rhythmic back-and-forth manner as quickly as possible. A square wooden board measuring 20 cm by 10 cm and 1 cm thick is used, which is fixed to the table surface with double-sided tape. Two circles with a diameter of 20 cm are placed on the sides at a distance of 80 cm from each other, while the board is located 40 cm away from each lateral circle. The subject sits facing the table with the apparatus and places one hand in the center of the square board. Upon the researcher's "go" signal, the participant performs 25 complete cycles of back-and-forth tapping movements between the left and right circles as quickly as possible. The hand placed in the center must not be touched. The test is performed with both the right and left hands. To count the taps, the researcher relies on the sound produced by the fingers hitting the surface. The test is executed twice, and use the average

The test assesses the speed of foot movements by executing as many taps as possible in 10 seconds. Participants sit on a chair with their hips and knees at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and the foot positioned on one side of a board. Upon the researcher's "go" signal, the participant must perform as many taps as possible within 10 seconds on both sides of the board, ensuring that the forefoot makes contact with the floor. The test is performed while wearing shoes. The procedure is executed twice, and the average number of taps is used for data analysis. The test is performed with both the right and left foot.

The test measures object control capacity through throwing and aiming. A target with a diameter of 25 cm is fixed to the wall at an height corresponding to the average height of the tested participants, and a tennis ball is used. The participant must throw the tennis ball from a distance of 8 feet (2.44 m) from the wall, where a line is drawn. The participant can choose to perform either an underhand or an overhand throw. One practice trial is performed to choose the throwing method. The number of successful throws out of 10 attempts is recorded for both the right and left hands.

The test measures the ability to coordinate two sequential motor actions through a multi-stage task consisting of throwing, clapping, and catching. It assesses the nervous system's capacity to transition rapidly from one motor action to another in a fluid and orderly manner. Participants are instructed to throw the ball upward and catch it with the same hand. They must insert a hand clap between the throw and the catch, with the number of claps increasing during the attempts up to a maximum of four. Three attempts are given for each level, and the maximum number of claps successfully achieved is recorded. Each hand is tested separately.

The test is used to assess language production, executive function, and cognitive flexibility. Participants are instructed to generate as many words as possible within 1 min that begin with a specific letter, while excluding proper nouns and words that differ only by their suffixes. The letters used in the task are 'F', 'A', and 'S'. A score is given for each word produced that correctly adheres to the provided rules, with a total duration of 3 min (1 min per letter). A score below 17.35 is considered indicative of a pathological condition.

This test assesses manual dexterity, fine motor control, visuomotor coordination, motor planning, speed, precision, and coordination. Participants insert as many keyhole-shaped pegs as possible into slotted holes within 1 minute. The slots are oriented in various directions, which increases complexity compared to standard pegboards and requires enhanced visuomotor integration and executive control. This task demands precise motor execution, real-time visuospatial processing, and executive planning, offering insights into sensorimotor pathways, cortical-subcortical networks, and frontal-executive systems. The test is administered in three consecutive one-minute trials, each performed with the participant's preferred hand. The total score, up to a maximum of 75, is calculated as the cumulative number of pegs successfully inserted across all three trials.

The test is used to assess processing speed, attention, and working memory The test presents a key in which nine unique symbols are each paired with a digit from 1 to 9. Participants are required to rapidly write the digit corresponding to each symbol by referring to the key. The task is time-limited to 90 s, during which participants must complete as many correct symbol-digit pairings as possible. The total score is determined by the number of correct associations made within the time limit. A score below 34.20 is considered indicative of impaired performance.

The test is used to assess short-term verbal memory span and verbal working memory span. Participants are required to repeat sequences of digits that progressively increase in length, both in the same order (forward) and in reverse order (backward). The span score for each condition is defined as the longest sequence of digits correctly recalled following a single presentation. The normative cut-off scores are 4.26 for the forward span and 2.65 for the backward span.

The test is used to assess interference inhibition, a component of executive functioning. The test evaluates both the number of ink colors correctly identified out of 30 color words and the time required to complete the task. Performance is considered within the normal range if the number of errors does not exceed 4.24 and the completion time is below 36.92 s.

The TUG test was performed using a standard armchair secured against a wall and a 3-meter distance marked on the floor. From a seated starting position, upon the "go" command, participants stood up, walked at a comfortable pace to the 3-meter mark, turned around, returned, and sat back down. Timing started with the verbal cue and stopped when the participant's buttocks touched the seat, with the recorded time used for data analysis.

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (IPAQ-EIT), aims to identify the types of physical activities that individuals perform in their daily lives, specifically measuring the amount of walking, moderate, and vigorous activity they undertake. By calculating the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values, the tool enabled the assessment of the participants' baseline physical activity levels.