Interventions
BRAIN
EG was assigned to a 6-month group-based MT intervention (two sessions per week, 60 minutes per session) involving 5 to 8 participants. Exercise sessions were divided into 3 main parts: 10 minutes of warm-up (e.g., joint mobilization, general activation, and slow walking); 35-45 minutes of specific MT training (e.g., combining coordination and balance, lower and upper body strength, and aerobics) at light-to-moderate intensity; and five minutes to cool-down (e.g., stretching, mobility and breathing exercises). Proprioceptive and balance training included exercises with reduced sensory input, progressively difficult postures, dynamic movements, and exercises requiring stressing postural muscle groups (e.g., tandem walks, hell-to-toe stands and walks, and step over objects). Simple coordination exercises were performed (e.g., agility ladder drills). Resistance training included 4 to 6 multi-joint exercises involving major muscle groups (e.g., squats, biceps arm curl, triceps extension, chest press, seated row, standing leg curl). Aerobic endurance included low-impact exercises such as walking, dancing, and stationary marching.Participants in the CG had a monthly social activity session (60 minutes each for 6-months, involving 5 to 12 individuals) including physical activity (e.g., breathing and relaxation activities) and the provision of information on health-related topics (e.g., falls prevention, healthy eating habits) as a complement to standard care. CG participants were contacted via phone calls to ensure retention and motivation. More information on the “Body & Brain” project study protocol can be found elsewhere.