Role of physical exercise on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults.

Download Full-text

Effects of pilates on physical-functional performance, quality of life and mood in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies ◽

10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.06.005 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vanessa Raquel Metz ◽

Katia Bilhar Scapini ◽

Amanda Lorena Dias Gomes ◽

Rodrigo Maciel Andrade ◽

Guilherme Carlos Brech ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Functional Performance ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Performance Quality ◽

Physical Functional Performance

Download Full-text

Dance for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Current Alzheimer Research ◽

10.2174/1567205016666190725151614 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. 919-933 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alicia Ruiz-Muelle ◽

María Mar López-Rodríguez

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Dance Therapy ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Future Research

Background: In recent years, several reviews have addressed the effectiveness of dance therapy in dementia, healthy older adults, or the elderly in general. However, reviews regarding the effect of this therapy exclusively on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have not been found. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the available literature describing clinical trials which explore the effects of dancing on psychological and physical outcomes, functionality, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this review aims to assess the quality of studies that perform dance therapy interventions in these patients. Methods: This study is a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials regarding the effect of intervention including a dancing activity in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results: In total, the evidence for this review rests on 12 studies with a total of 349 participants. The findings of this mini-review confirm the positive effect of dance therapy on physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Most of the studies implementing dance as part of the therapeutic treatment has shown to improve or slow the worsening in the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Future research focused on these patients should use a more exhaustive methodology and make a more detailed description of these kind of interventions.

Download Full-text