Impact of aerobic physical activities on different memory systems

Abstract

Introduction: The aging society has become one of the key issues regarding the health policy. World Health Organization states that by the year 2050, population aged over 60 will reach 22%. Despite the increase of a human lifespan, illnesses and declines created by the age, have not changed over the years (WHO, 2016). The research shows that it is possible to delay such issues as cognitive decline with aging and even dementia by changing ones lifestyle (Benedict et al., 2012). The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between long-term aerobic physical activity and different memory systems. Methods: 29 participants aged from 65 to 80 (M = 72,48, SD = 4,7, 28% male) participated in the study. Participants were divided into three groups based on their aerobic physical activity experience. In the first group were seniors with long-term regular aerobic physical activity experience, who have also been involved into competitive sports, in the second group seniors with short-term regular aerobic physical activity experience were included. In the third group participants with overall sedentary life style were included. To assess long-term and short term memory the Memory Ten Word test (Luria, 1976), to assess associative memory and working memory, two subtests from Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive abilities were used – Memory for Names and The Numbers Reversed Test (Mather & Woodcock, 2001). To obtain information on demographic data as well as physical activity experience, Demographic Data Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elderly (Hurtig-Wennlöf, Hagströmer, & Olsson, 2010) and Social Determinants of Health Behaviours (FINBALT, 2008) were used. The testing process was conducted working with each participant individually for two days. Results: Preliminary data indicated neither significant diferences nor correlations in memory systems across all three groups. Conclusions: The present data shows that long- or short-term involvement in aerobic physical activity does not impact any of the memory systems; however, this study has many limitations that might impact the results. Firstly, and most importantly, there are still discussions on proper group division as some of the long-term active seniors currently are less active than their short-term active peers. Secondly, in data analysis we did not control for education or age and thirdly, data analysis were conducted on a very small sample.