LAUSR

Research highlights the benefits of regular traditional multicomponent training in older adults. The potential effect of exergames on perceptive-cognitive and physical function in pre-frail older adults is still little explored. The study aimed to compare the effects of two physical exercise training programs (exergaming vs. traditional multicomponent) on perceptive-cognitive and physical functions of pre-frail older adults. This study was a randomized controlled trial having 66 pre-frail older adults assigned to two groups (Exergames [EG]: n = 32, 70.84 ± 4.53 years; Multicomponent [MG]: n = 34, 70.76 ± 5.60 years). Frailty phenotype, fall history, basic and advanced cognition, perceptual, physical (mobility, gait speed, and balance) and muscle (strength and power) functions were evaluated. Intervention was conducted during12 weeks. The EG and MG groups performed similar exercise routines involving the main lower limb muscle groups required in daily activities. A mixed model ANOVA and effect size (d) revealed that both programs were effective in postponing frailty status, reducing the fear of falling (EG: d=1.65; MG: d=1.40), increasing fall risk awareness (EG: d=2.14; MG: d=1.60), improving cognitive status (EG: d=0.83 to 2.61; MG: d=0.86 to 1.43), muscle (EG: d=0.54; MG: d=0.51 to 0.73) and physical function (EG: d=0.97 to 1.55; MG: d=1.01 to 2.23). The exergame training might be a better alternative to improve cognition, whereas the multicomponent program might be a better option to provide physical function gains.