Effects of a 6-Week Walking Training Program on Physical Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Older People.

Abstract

PurposeTo analyze the effects of a 6-week multidomain walking training program (MWTP) with mHealth technology on health status, cognitive performance, and physical function in older adults.DesignControlled longitudinal intervention study with pre- and post-intervention assessments.SettingCommunity-based, autonomous outdoor environments.SampleForty-nine sedentary older adults (mean age 69.9 ± 3.7 years) allocated to an experimental (n = 21) or control group (n = 28).InterventionThe experimental group followed a 6-week mHealth-supported MWTP combining endurance, strength, and dual-task cognitive exercises, with progressive intensity and volume. The control group maintained usual routines.MeasuresPhysical fitness (lower limb strength, walking speed, cardiorespiratory capacity), cognitive function (executive function), and health variables (anthropometric and psychosocial) were assessed using standardized tests.AnalysisData were analyzed using SPSS v.19.0. Descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity tests, and appropriate parametric (2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA, ANCOVA) and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon) tests were applied (α < 0.05).ResultsThe experimental group showed significant improvements in lower limb strength, walking speed, and cardiorespiratory capacity. Executive function was preserved in the experimental group but declined in the control group. No significant changes were found in anthropometric or psychosocial measures.ConclusionThe MWTP enhances physical fitness and preserves executive function in older adults. Its autonomous, mHealth-supported format offers a scalable and cost-effective strategy for promoting healthy aging.