The relationship between exercise and cognition is an important topic of research that only recently began to unravel. Here, we set out to investigate the relation between motor skills, cognitive function, and school performance in 45 students from 8 to 14 years of age. We used a cross-sectional design to evaluate motor coordination (Touch Test Disc), agility (Shuttle Run Speed—running back and forth), school performance (Academic Achievement Test), the Stroop test, and six sub-tests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV). We found, that the Touch Test Disc was the best predictor of school performance (R2 = 0.20). Significant correlations were also observed between motor coordination and several indices of cognitive function, such as the total score of the Academic Achievement Test (AAT; Spearman's rho = 0.536; p ≤ 0.001), as well as two WISC-IV sub-tests: block design (R = −0.438; p = 0.003) and cancelation (rho = −0.471; p = 0.001). All the other cognitive variables pointed in the same direction, and even correlated with agility, but did not reach statistical significance. Altogether, the data indicate that visual motor coordination and visual selective attention, but not agility, may influence academic achievement and cognitive function. The results highlight the importance of investigating the correlation between physical skills and different aspects of cognition.

Objective: To assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognition and functional capacity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Method: Elderly (n=20) with mild dementia (NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) on a treadmill (30 minutes, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO 2max ) and control group (GC) 10 patients. The primary outcome measure was the cognitive function using Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Specifics instruments were also applied to evaluate executive function, memory, attention and concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and functional capacity. Results: After 16 weeks, the EG showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the CG declined. Compared to the CG, the EG presented significant improvement on the functional capacity. The analysis of the effect size has shown a favorable response to the physical exercise in all dependent variables. Conclusion: Walking on treadmill may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, aerobic exercise, physical training, cognitive function, functional capacity. RESUMOObjetivo: Avaliar o efeito do exercício aeróbio na cognição e na capacidade funcional em pacientes com Doença de Alzheimer (DA). Método: Idosos (n=20) com demência leve ((NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) foram randomizados em grupo exercício (GE) na esteira (30 minutos, 2 vezes por semana e intensidade moderada de 60% VO 2max )e grupo controle (GC) 10 pacientes. A medida principal foi a função cognitiva através do Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Instrumentos específicos também foram aplicados para avaliar a função executiva, atenção e concentração, flexibilidade cognitiva, controle inibitório e capacidade funcional. Resultados: Após 16 semanas, o GE mostrou melhora na cognição CAMCOG enquanto o CG declinou. Comparado ao GC, o GE apresentou melhora significativa na capacidade funcional. A análise do tamanho de efeito mostrou resposta favorável do exercício físico em todas as variáveis dependentes. Conclusão: Caminhar na esteira pode ser recomendado como um tratamento adicional para pacientes com doença de Alzheimer.Palavras-chave: doença de Alzheimer, exercício aeróbio, treinamento físico, função cognitiva, capacidade funcional.

Introduction: Physical rehabilitation is commonly used in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to improve their health and alleviate the symptoms. Objective: We compared the effects of three programs, strength training (ST), aerobic training (AT), and physiotherapy, on motor symptoms, functional capacity, and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in PD patients. Methods: Twenty-two patients were recruited and randomized into three groups: AT (70% of maximum heart rate), ST (80% of one repetition maximum), and physiotherapy (in groups). Subjects participated in their respective interventions twice a week for 12 weeks. The assessments included measures of disease symptoms (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]), functional capacity (Senior Fitness Test), and EEG before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Results: The PD motor symptoms (UPDRS-III) in the group of patients who performed ST and AT improved by 27.5% (effect size [ES]=1.25, confidence interval [CI]=-0.11, 2.25) and 35% (ES=1.34, CI=-0.16, 2.58), respectively, in contrast to the physiotherapy group, which showed a 2.9% improvement (ES=0.07, CI=-0.85, 0.99). Furthermore, the functional capacity of all three groups improved after the intervention. The mean frequency of the EEG analysis mainly showed the effect of the interventions on the groups (F=11.50, P=0.0001). Conclusion: ST and AT in patients with PD are associated with improved outcomes in disease symptoms and functional capacity.

<b><i>Background:</i></b> This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic training (AT), strength training (ST) and low-intensity exercise in a control group (CG) as adjunct treatments to pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in older persons. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Older persons clinically diagnosed with MDD (<i>n</i> = 27) and treated with antidepressants were blindly randomized into three groups: AT, ST and a CG. All patients were evaluated prior to and 12 weeks after the intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared with the CG, the AT and ST groups showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (treatment ­response = 50% decrease in the pre- to postintervention assessment) through the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (AT group: χ², <i>p</i> = 0.044) and Beck Depression Inventory (ST group: χ², <i>p</i> = 0.044). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Adding AT or ST with moderate intensity to the usual treatment promoted a greater reduction of MDD symptoms.

The RUDAS-BR is as accurate as the MMSE in screening for dementia. RUDAS-BR scores were not influenced by education. The RUDAS-BR may improve the cognitive assessment of older persons who are illiterate or of lower educational attainment.