Abstract

BACKGROUND: Older adults require special attention during cognitive-motor tasks since automatic postural control is reduced. AIM: To analyze the effect of physical exercise on dual-task processing of healthy older women performing standing balance. METHOD: Sixteen healthy older women were assessed in a quiet standing position with eyes open/closed (single-task, EO, and EC) and with a cognitive task (dual-task, DT) using a Wii Balance Board. All individuals performed training (aerobic, strength, and virtual reality exercises) at moderate effort. Center of pressure (CoP) anteroposterior and mediolateral displacement were analyzed over time pre- and post-training. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare pre- and post-training. RESULTS: Greater variability in CoP was observed pre- compared to post-training. In the DT, there was a significance decrease in post-training variability compared to pre-training (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Physical exercise programs for older adults may contribute to simultaneously improving motor-cognitive performances, associated with improvement in the divided attention.