Dataset Information

Moderate Exercise Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Elderly People: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT:

Background:

Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment.

Objective:

This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance.

Design:

RCT with parallel and balanced large groups.

Setting:

Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms.

Subjects:

People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity.

Methods:

Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of “life movements”, strength and balance. The primary outcome was: any change in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its subscales.

Results:

At the end of the trial, 52 people completed the active intervention, and 53 people completed the control condition. People in the active intervention improved on the ACE-R (ANOVA: F(1;102)=4.32, p=0.040), and also showed better performances on the memory (F(1;102)=5.40 p=0.022) and visual-space skills subscales of the ACE-R (F(1;102)=4.09 p=0.046).

Conclusion:

A moderate-intensity exercise administered for a relatively short period of 12 weeks is capable of improving cognitive performance in a sample of elderly people who live independently in their homes. Clinical Trials Registration No: NCT03858114

SUBMITTER: Carta M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8493830 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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