Growing evidence suggests that physical exercise may improve cognitive function in the short- and long-term. Aerobic exercise has been studied most extensively. Preliminary work suggests that resistance training also improves cognitive function, particularly executive function. Conversely, most studies found little dose-effect by intensity. Consequently, cognitive benefits may be elicited, at least in part, by the movement rather than the physical exertion of resistance training. The objective here was to examine and compare acute changes in executive function after resistance training and a loadless movement control among young, healthy adults. Twenty-two young healthy adults (mean age 23.4 years [2.4]; 50% female) completed three conditions, a baseline condition and two experimental conditions (moderate intensity resistance training, loadless movement control). Participants completed a computerized modified Stroop task with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) before and 10, 20, 30, and 40min after each intervention. Outcomes (incongruent and congruent response time, accuracy, EEG P3 amplitude and latency) were analyzed using mixed linear regression models (factors: condition, time, condition*time). There was a main effect of time for Stroop response time (F 4,84 = 3.94, p = 0.006 and F 4,84 = 10.27, p<0.0001 respectively) and incongruent and congruent P3 amplitude (F 4,76 = 4.40, p = 0.003 and F 4,76 = 5.09, p = 0.001 respectively). Post-hoc analyses indicated that both incongruent and congruent P3 amplitude were elevated at time points up to and including 40min after the interventions (compared to pre-intervention, p<0.05). Both incongruent and congruent response times were faster at 10min post-intervention than pre-intervention (p<0.04). There was no main effect of condition or interaction between condition and time for either outcome (p≥0.53). Similar improvements in executive function were observed after loadless movement and resistance training, suggesting that movement is at least partially responsible for the benefits to executive function. Future research should continue to probe the influence of movement versus physical exertion in resistance training by including a movement and non-movement control.
This pilot study examined changes in physical activity and function among older adults moving from community dwellings to retirement living. Twelve community-dwelling older adults, recruited from the wait-lists of two retirement living facilities, were assessed prior to and following the transition to retirement living. Physical activity was assessed using an Actigraph (GT3X+) activity monitor; physical activity by type was reported with the CHAMPS activity questionnaire. Physical function was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Objectively monitored total physical activity decreased after the transition to retirement living (p = 0.02). Reports of physical activity by type indicated that only activities of daily living decreased (p < 0.01) although intentional exercise increased (p < 0.03) with the transition. Endurance and strength also improved (p < 0.05 and p < 0.04). Pilot results indicate that possible physical benefits accrue from retirement living, although efforts to reduce sedentary time are needed.
For persons who are at risk for, or living with, dementia exercise is recommended, yet many become or remain inactive. Exercise providers play a vital role in promoting and facilitating exercise in these groups by recognizing and being responsive to the needs of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in exercise programming. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and needs of community exercise providers regarding dementia. Materials & methods Five focus groups were held with community exercise providers (n = 30) who deliver exercise to older adults (�55 years) in municipal, non-profit, for profit, or academic settings. Results Three themes were developed: (1) Unique experiences and diverse perceptions: suggests unique personal experiences with MCI and dementia inform distinct perceptions of dementia; (2) Dementia-Inclusive Practices: learning as you go and adapting for the individual: reflects exercise providers' approaches to recognizing and accommodating individuals' unique abilities and preferences; (3) Training and Best Practices, with Flexibility: identifies exercise providers' desires for MCI-and dementia-specific knowledge and training strategies, which need to recognize dementia heterogeneity between and within persons over time. Conclusions These findings highlight a willingness of exercise providers to support dementia-inclusive exercise, but recognize they have minimal training and lack educational resources to do so.
Exercise and mental stimulation may improve cognition, physical function, and well-being of people with dementia (PWD) and older adults more generally. This study evaluated changes in physical function, physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and mental well-being with participation in Minds in Motion®, a weekly exercise and mental stimulation program for PWD (n = 343) and care partners (n = 318). Most physical function measures improved among PWD and care partners (endurance, upper and lower body strength, upper body flexibility; ps ≤ .009). Participants also reported a significant increase in weekly frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity (ps < .001) and in mental well-being (p < .001). Exercise self-efficacy did not change (p = .16). These results suggest that Minds in Motion® yields improvements in physical function, which may translate into better functional abilities for PWD and improved ability for their partners to care for people living with dementia.
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