Home Based Exercise Effects on Cognition in the Semi-Independent Elderly

Abstract

This study sought to determine whether aerobic exercise training affects cognitive functioning among semi-independent (> 75 years) and independent elderly people. Seventysix semi-independent and independent elderly subjects were divided into the following groups: semi-independent control (n = 16); semi-independent training (n = 13); independent control (n = 22); independent training (n = 25). During the 12-week intervention, subjects in both training groups performed a bench-stepping exercise at the intensity of the lactate threshold. Subjects were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Frontal Assessment Battery test (FAB), the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam (3MS), and a bench-stepping test of aerobic capacity. During the intervention, FAB scores improved only in the semi-independent training group (p = .002), while 3MS and MMSE scores improved in both the semi-independent training (p = .032 and p = .004) and independent training groups (p = .001 and p = .013). FAB and 3MS scores were higher in the semi-independent training (p = .001 and p = .002) compared with the semi-independent control group after the intervention. Finally, post-intervention scores for FAB, and 3MS in the semi-independent training group almost reached the baseline levels of the independent control and independent training groups. These results indicate that moderate intensity bench-stepping exercise training can improve cognitive and frontal lobe functioning in semi-independent elderly people, almost to the level exhibited by independent elderly people.(Jpn. J. Phys. Fitness Sports Med., 60（ 4 ）: 379-386 (2011))

The effect of aerobic exercise on interoception and cognitive function in healthy university students: a non-randomized controlled trial

“…High-intensity exercise improves both cognitive and mental function [ 31 , 32 ], whereas moderate-intensity exercise is known to improve cognitive and mental function [ 33 , 34 ] through neurogenesis and neuroendocrine responses [ 35 , 36 ]. We adopted the 50% heart rate reserve (HRR) task, which is considered to be a moderate-intensity exercise as per ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription [ 37 ], and employed a previously-reported step exercise using a low-height bench [ 33 ]. For the former intensity, we calculated the target heart rate using the formula: …”

The effect of aerobic exercise on interoception and cognitive function in healthy university students: a non-randomized controlled trial

“…In recent years, moderate-intensity exercise has been also con rmed to improve cognitive and mental function [27,38], and it has been demonstrated that neurogenesis and neuroendocrine responses can be induced by not only high-intensity exercise but also moderate-intensity exercise [39,40]. Also in healthy young subjects, moderate-intensity exercise has been well assessed as an intervention to improve cognitive function [39][40][41][42].…”

“…Nakayama et al have reported a bench step exercise with a low height as an intervention to improve cognitive function [27]. The exercise has two advantages: rst, the low step (20 cm high) makes the execution safer and easier, and second, stairs can easily be substituted for the step, making it possible to perform the exercise indoors without being in uenced by the external environment.…”