Dual-Task Training Combining Audiobooks and Exercise Effectively Slows Cognitive Decline: Study Published in Journal of the Japanese Early Dementia Society

Dual-Task Training Combining Audiobooks and Exercise Effectively Slows Cognitive Decline

Otonbank (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yuya Kubota), operator of 'audiobook.jp', the #1 Japanese audiobook platform, collaborated on a research study titled 'Inhibitory Effects of Dual-Task Training Using Complex Exercise Programs and Audiobooks on Cognitive Decline: A Quasi-Randomized Parallel-Group Comparative Study on Elderly Requiring Support with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Cognitive Decline.' The study was published in the *Journal of the Japanese Early Dementia Society* and received the 'Best Paper Award' at the 13th Annual Meeting of the society.

The research conducted a one-year comparative experiment on 68 elderly individuals aged 65 and over, suggesting that dual-task training combining exercise and audiobooks is effective in maintaining cognitive function.

### Key Research Findings

- **Validation of Long-Term Intervention Effectiveness** The study investigated the one-year long-term intervention effect of audiobook-based dual-task training. Participants were divided into a control group (complex exercise program only) and a dual-task group (same program plus 15-20 minutes of audiobook-based dual-tasking once a week). The control group showed significant cognitive decline, while the dual-task group maintained its cognitive function.

- **Clinically Significant Results** After one year, the dual-task group showed an improvement of 0.79 points from the baseline, while the control group declined by 1.25 points. The difference in 'change before and after intervention' between the two groups was 2.04 points (P=0.024), exceeding the standard for clinical significance (MCID: 2 points).

- **High Continuity** The study confirmed the long-term effectiveness of audiobook-based dual-tasking. Furthermore, this method resolved issues of 'boredom' and 'habituation' inherent in traditional tasks like calculations or word games, resulting in an 86.1% program adherence rate.

### Research Overview

- **Groups Compared** - **Control Group (35 individuals):** Performed 90 minutes of complex exercise (balance, aerobic, strength training, Cognibike) twice a week. - **Dual-Task Group (33 individuals):** Performed the same exercise program plus one weekly 15-20 minute audiobook-based dual-task session.

**【Training Protocol】**

- **Audiobook Listening:** Listening to audiobooks for 10 minutes while performing aerobic exercises like marching. - **Output/Recall:** Recalling and writing down content after the exercise, plus reading aloud to verify content from previous sessions.

**Results** Assessed using the 'MoCA-J' cognitive test for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a significant interaction (P=0.027) was observed between the two groups. While the control group's MoCA-J scores significantly declined, the dual-task group maintained their scores after one year. This result suggests that combining audiobook listening and recall as an intellectual stimulus with exercise is effective in suppressing cognitive decline.

### Paper Information

- **Title**: Inhibitory Effects of Dual-Task Training Using Complex Exercise Programs and Audiobooks on Cognitive Decline - **Authors**: Yusuke Nakamura (Bell Piano Hospital), Chika Maekawa (Bell Piano Hospital), Kenta Shigemori (Kansai University of Welfare Sciences) - **Journal**: *Journal of the Japanese Early Dementia Society*