BACKGROUND: More evidence is needed in order to conclude that a specific program of exercise and/or cognitive training warrants prescription for the prevention of cognitive decline. We examined the effect of a group-based standard exercise program for older adults, with and without dual-task training, on cognitive function in older adults without dementia. METHODS: We conducted a proof-of-concept, single-blinded, 26-week randomized controlled trial whereby participants recruited from pre-existing exercise classes at the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging in London, Ontario were randomized to the intervention group (exercise+dual-task; EDT) or the control group (exercise only; EO). Each week (2 or 3 days/week), both groups accumulated a minimum of 50 minutes of aerobic exercise (target 75 minutes) from standard group classes and completed 45 minutes of beginner-level Square Stepping Exercise (SSE). The EDT group was also required to answer cognitively challenging questions while doing beginner-level SSE (ie, dual-task training). The effect of interventions on standardized global cognitive function (GCF) scores at 26 weeks was compared between the groups using the linear mixed effects model approach. RESULTS: Participants (n = 44; 68% female; mean (SD) age 73.5 (SD 7.2) years) had on average, objective evidence of cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores mean (SD) 24.9 (1.9)) but not dementia (Mini-Mental State Examination scores mean (SD) 28.8 (1.2)). After 26 weeks, the EDT group showed greater improvement in GCF scores compared to the EO group (difference between groups in mean change (95% CI) 0.20 SD (0.01 to 0.39), p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A 26-week group-based exercise program combined with dual-task training improved GCF in community-dwelling older adults without dementia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01572311.

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