Neuromotricity and Executive Functions in Older Adults: A Quantitative Intervention for Healthy Ageing

Objectives. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the BAPNE method, a program intentionally designed with high cognitive demands, against active control groups (Salsa and Body Percussion with Choreography) and a passive control group. The study aimed to provide compelling evidence for the importance of cognitive load in interventions for healthy ageing. Materials and Methods. This longitudinal, quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of a 9.5-month neuromotricity intervention, the BAPNE method, on executive functions in older adults. A sample of 368 participants (60-78 years) from a community program in Caracas, Venezuela, was divided into four groups: BAPNE (experimental), Salsa, Body Percussion with Choreography, and a Control group. Executive functions were assessed using a battery of validated neuropsychological tests, including the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A), Trail Making Test (TMT), Verbal Fluency, Stroop, and D2 tests. Statistical analyses included within-group comparisons (paired t-tests) and between-group comparisons (ANCOVA) to control for baseline differences. Results. The BAPNE group showed significant enhancements across all measures, with large effect sizes, particularly for Stroop Interference (Cohen’s d = -1.48) and the BRIEF Inhibition Index (Cohen’s d = -1.47). Between-group analyses, controlling for baseline scores, confirmed the BAPNE group significantly outperformed all other groups on inhibition and other executive functions (e.g., BRIEF Inhibition: p < 0.001, ηp2​ = 0.45; Stroop Interference: p < 0.001, ηp2​ = 0.42). In contrast, the Salsa group demonstrated moderate improvements, while the Body Percussion with Choreography group exhibited negligible cognitive gains. Conclusions. This study provides robust evidence that the BAPNE method’s dual-task demands lead to substantial and clinically meaningful improvements in executive functions, particularly inhibition. The findings reinforce that the cognitive load of an activity, rather than mere physical exertion, is the critical factor for effective cognitive training in ageing.