Table 6 Synthesis of intervention studies involving physical training

Marottoli et al., [47]

n = 178

yr = average age 77.4 and 77.2 years old (ages N/S).

c = USA

RCT

To determine whether a multicomponent physical conditioning program targeted to axial and extremity flexibility, coordination, and speed of movement could improve driving performance among older drivers.

The participants were randomized in 2 groups

-Control group (n: 90): they received monthly in-home education modules reviewing general safety issues about home safety, fall prevention, and vehicle care.

-Intervention group (n: 88):12 weeks of daily training of 15 min at home participants. The participants received a manual with images and instructions. Also, they had a weekly visit by a physical therapist to review the exercises.

All the participants performed the baseline assessment and then the change in on-road driving performance (primary outcome) at 3 months was measured.

(S): Change in on-road driving performance at 3 months relative to baseline.

(S): Secondary outcomes were the driving evaluators overall rating and number of critical errors at 3 months

S (+): The participants after the 12 weeks of daily training at home in the intervention group maintained the driving performance meanwhile in the control group they declined. Intervention group made 27.1% fewer critical errors than control group during on-road assessment

Marmeleira et al., [48]

n = 26

yr = between 55 and 78 years old.

c = Portugal

RCT

The main aim of this research was to study the effects of a similar exercise program on the speed of behavior of older adults during on the road driving.

The participants were randomized in 2 groups:

-Control group (n:13): Did not receive intervention

-Exercise group (n: 13): Was based in an exercises program of 8 weeks with 3 days per week with a session of 60 min.

All the participants performed the on-road baseline assessment and after 8 weeks carried out the post-intervention assessment.

(S): Brake Response Time Task: The participants had to brake as quickly as possible whenever the leading car’s rear brake lights were activated.

(S): Peripheral Response Time Task: The participants had to react by depressing with their left thumb a microswitch attached to the left side of the steering wheel.

(S): Choice Response Time Task: The participants were instructed to follow the leading car and react as quickly as possible to either using the brake or depressing the microswitch on the steering wheel. The leading car’s rear brake lights were activated. (S): Dual-Task Condition: The participants had to brake as fast as possible when the leading car’s rear brake lights were activated and must realize a mental-calculation task.

S (+): The participants under the exercise group showed a significant improvement for the simple, two choice and peripheral reaction time tasks and in the dual task condition. Moreover, a composite score reflecting all reaction time measurements showed a significant improvement.