OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of a computerized, game-based training on motor-cognitive performances, the transfer of training effects on untrained tasks, and the sustainability of training gains in people with dementia. METHOD: Ninety-nine individuals with a mean age of 82.9 (5.8) and dementia participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial with three-month follow-up. The intervention group (IG) received a motor-cognitive training on (Physiomat) including concurrent dual-tasks of balance control with cognitive demands (Physiomat-Trail Making Tasks (PTMTs)). The control group (CG) performed non-specific, low-intensity exercises. Duration and accuracy at different complexity levels of trained and untrained PTMTs and the number of successfully performed tasks (PTMT score) were assessed. RESULTS: Physiomat training significantly improved the duration and accuracy at almost all complexity levels of trained (p <= 0.001 to 0.047, eta-p2 = 0.065 to 0.589) and untrained PTMTs (p < 0.001 to 0.005, eta-p2 = 0.073 to 0.459). Significant effects were also found for the PTMT score of trained (p < 0.001, eta-p2 = 0.211) and untrained PTMTs (p < 0.001, eta-p2 = 0.184). Training gains were partly sustained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Physiomat is feasible and has the potential to sustainably improve motor-cognitive performances in people with dementia.

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