Interactive physical & cognitive exercise system and method

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing cognitive function of an individual during exercising use stationary exercise equipment to self-propel the individual's avatar or avatar's point of view through a virtual pathway while interacting to complete a cognitive task including registration of the task, verification of discrimination of basic learning, and performance of manipulation of the cognitive task.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for enhancing cognitive function of an individual, comprising:
 self-propelling with an exercise apparatus the individual's avatar or avatar's point of view through a virtual pathway performing an interactive physical and a cognitive task for a predetermined period of time, frequency, or a combination thereof;   measuring a cognitive function on the performance of the cognitive task by the individual;   evaluating a responsive feedback loop to assess the individual's level, and   adjusting the task to match the individual's level.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the individual's level is cognitive status. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise apparatus is a stationary exercise equipment. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein measuring a cognitive function comprises assessing a cognitive function by recalling, verifying, or manipulating stimuli. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the stimuli are selected from words, items, locations, faces, drawings, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein measuring a cognitive function comprises a neuropsychological cognitive measure selected from the group consisting of a verbal memory measure, an executive function measure, an attention measure, a Stroop test, a digit span, an auditory test, a visuospatial function measure and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein the cognitive function is a generalized cognitive function. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adding levels of challenge based on the individual's level. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising tailoring the interactive physical and cognitive task to match the individual's level. 
     
     
         10 . A method of training cognitive function in an individual, comprising:
 engaging the individual in neuro-exergaming;   evaluating physical responses and cognitive responses of the individual to assess cognitive function of the individual, and   tailoring physical exercises and cognitive tasks based on a responsive feedback loop from the physical responses, cognitive response, or combinations thereof to provide tailored physical exercises, cognitive tasks, or combinations thereof to improve the cognitive function of the individual.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cognitive function is executive function. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the physical challenge comprises self-propelling with an exercise apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the exercise apparatus is a stationary exercise equipment. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cognitive task is an interactive cognitive task. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cognitive task comprises recalling, verifying, or manipulating stimuli. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising using the tailored physical exercises, cognitive challenges, or combinations thereof in the neuro-exergaming. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the neuro-exergaming is aerobic. 
     
     
         18 . A method of training executive function in an older adult, comprising:
 engaging the older adult in neuro-exergaming comprising physical exercise and a cognitive task;   evaluating physical responses and cognitive responses of the individual to assess cognitive function of the older adult; and   tailoring the physical exercise and the cognitive task to the older adult's cognitive disabilities based on a responsive feedback loop from the physical responses, cognitive response, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the older adult's cognitive disability is one resulting from a brain pathologies or dysfunction. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the neuro-exergaming is aerobic.