IMPACT OF DUAL-TASK AEROBIC TRAINING ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with reduced functional capacity
and cognitive impairment, particularly affecting executive function and attention.
Conventional cardiac rehabilitation primarily targets physical outcomes, with limited
emphasis on cognitive function.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task aerobic training on cognitive function
and functional capacity in patients with stable CAD.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 patients with stable CAD,
randomly allocated into dual-task aerobic training (DTAT, n=20) and conventional aerobic
training (CAT, n=20) groups. Both groups underwent training for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week,
40–50 minutes/session at 60–75% HRmax). Outcome measures included the Montreal
Cognitive Assessment for cognitive function, 6-Minute Walk Test for functional capacity, and
Dual-Task Walking Test for cognitive-motor performance. Data were analyzed using paired
and independent t-tests.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05).
However, the DTAT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in cognitive
function, 6MWT distance, and dual-task performance compared to the CAT group (p < 0.05).
Large effect sizes were observed across outcomes in the DTAT group.
Conclusion: Dual-task aerobic training is more effective than conventional aerobic training
in improving cognitive function, functional capacity, and dual-task performance in patients
with stable CAD. Incorporating dual-task paradigms into cardiac rehabilitation may enhance
overall patient outcomes.