Addressing age-related motor and cognitive decline is one of the major healthcare challenges of the coming decades. A study by the University of Trieste shows that innovative rehabilitation approaches combining physical exercise, cognitive training and virtual reality can significantly support active and independent ageing.

Conducted in collaboration with the public social care provider ITIS and the University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy, the research compared two rehabilitation protocols in older adults: a dual-task programme integrating physical and cognitive exercises, and a physiotherapy intervention supported by virtual and augmented reality.

Both approaches led to improvements in mobility and motor performance. However, the greatest benefits were observed when physical activity was combined with cognitive tasks, reinforcing evidence of the strong connection between physical and cognitive function in ageing.

The findings highlight dual-task training as a promising strategy to help older adults maintain independence and quality of life.

Source: https://portale.units.it/en/news/active-ageing-units-research-combines-virtual-reality-and-physiotherapy-counter-motor-and