New approaches in education and health sciences management

New approaches in education and health sciences management

The effectiveness of linear and nonlinear perceptual-motor training on cognitive skills in the elderly

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Samira Soleimani 1
Seyyed Fardin Qeysari 2
1 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sports Sciences, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sports Sciences, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/edus.2025.546666.1025
Abstract
Introduction and Objective: Cognitive skill decline in the elderly, including memory, attention, and mental flexibility, is one of the major public health challenges. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear perceptual–motor training on cognitive skills of older adults.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pre-test–post-test design with a control group. A total of 45 older adults aged 60–75 years were randomly assigned to three groups: linear training, nonlinear training, and control. The interventions consisted of 8 weeks of perceptual–motor exercises delivered in two sessions per week. Cognitive skills were assessed using the MMSE, Stroop, Digit Span, and WCST tests. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance after controlling for pre-test scores.
Results: The findings showed that both types of training significantly improved cognitive skills; however, nonlinear training had a greater effect on mini-mental state, working memory, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility.
Conclusion: These findings highlight that multitask and nonlinear perceptual–motor exercises can produce significant improvements in the cognitive skills of older adults.
Keywords
Aging؛ Cognitive Skills؛ Linear Training؛ Nonlinear Training؛ Perceptual&ndash
Motor Exercises
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New approaches in education and health sciences management
Volume 1, Issue 2
Juhy 2024
Summer 2024
Pages 32-41

  • Receive Date 19 April 2024
  • Revise Date 27 June 2024
  • Accept Date 22 July 2024
  • First Publish Date 22 July 2024
  • Publish Date 21 June 2024