Acute Effects of Physical, Cognitive, and Combined Exercise on Executive Functions During Postural Challenge in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compromises executive control, yet brief exercise may yield acute cognitive benefits. We tested whether a single ~10 min bout of physical, cognitive, or combined physical-cognitive exercise modulates Stroop performance in older adults with MCI (MoCA) under heightened postural demand (tandem stance). In a within-subject design (n = 28), participants completed three sessions: physical, cognitive, and combined physical-cognitive exercise protocols. Stroop performance was tested seated and in tandem stance pre-exercise (order counterbalanced) and again in tandem stance post-exercise. Pre- and post-exercise physiological markers (heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, glucose) and workload (NASA-TLX) were recorded; balance was assessed with a 30 s Tandem Stance Test. Posture (seated vs. tandem) did not affect baseline Stroop levels. Across sessions, Stroop performance improved acutely after the physical and cognitive exercises—most robustly after the physical testing—whereas the combined condition produced the smallest changes. The physical and combined sessions increased heart rate and systolic pressure; SpO2, diastolic pressure, glucose, NASA-TLX, and tandem-stance balance were unchanged among all sessions. These results indicate that a single light- to moderate-intensity session can acutely enhance executive function for MCI and that a challenging posture does not impose any dual-task cost. Furthermore, single-task exercise may be more effective for rapid cognitive gains than combined mental and physical protocols in individuals with MCI.