scholarly journals EFFECTS OF MINDFUL FELDENKRAIS EXERCISES AND STRENGTH TRAINING ON COGNITIVE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S649-S649
Author(s):  
Gerhild Ullmann ◽  
Yuhua Li ◽  
Meredith A Ray
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Decline in cognitive function associated with aging is one of the greatest concerns of older adults and often leads to significant burden for individuals, families, and the health care system. This 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) responds to the urgent need to identify strategies which can enhance and/or maintain cognitive vitality in older adults. The study is funded by the National Institute on Aging, and aims to examine the effects of both the mind-body exercise Feldenkrais and strength training on cognitive executive function in independent living older adults (N=90) age 65 to 85. Participants of the first wave (n=45) were randomized to a (1) Feldenkrais group, (2) strength training and (3) no-intervention control group. Intervention groups met twice a week for 12 weeks. Cognitive and physical performance measures of the NIH-Toolbox were used at baseline, post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up. Results of changes in cognitive executive functions within and across groups will be presented. The findings will suggest if such interventions would be a viable low-cost option for older adults to maintain cognitive vitality and thereby impact the development of programs and guidelines for combatting decline in cognitive function.

scholarly journals Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10563
Author(s):  
Stav Shapira ◽  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz ◽  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Limor Aharonson-Daniel ◽  
Avram Mark Clarfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Wait List Control

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times.

scholarly journals Examining the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention to improve cognitive function in a population of older adults living with HIV: a pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy A. Frain ◽  
Ling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Living With Hiv

Objective: The purpose of this randomized-controlled pilot study was to explore the effectiveness of a home-based computerized cognitive training intervention in improving cognitive function in a population of older adults with mild cognitive impairment who are living with HIV. Methods: In all, 24 participants were enrolled in this study. All study participants were impaired [defined as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26]; 12 were randomly assigned to a computer-training intervention group and 12 to a control group. The intervention group used a home-based computerized cognitive training program for 8 weeks, while the control group received health-related newsletter via email and follow-up phone calls. Cognitive function was measured at study entry, immediately post intervention, and 8 and 16 weeks post intervention Results: This study achieved a 92% retention rate, losing two persons from the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group scored significantly higher on cognitive testing immediately post intervention compared to the control group: F(1, 19) = 4.92, p = 0.04. The partial Eta squared of 0.32 indicates a small to moderate effect size. Discussion: Cognitive improvement was seen immediately after the intervention, and cognitive improvement was still evident 16 weeks post intervention. Cognitive training could be considered as an option for older adults with HIV experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Exercise and Horticultural Programs for Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms and Memory Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyuma Makizako ◽  
Kota Tsutsumimoto ◽  
Takehiko Doi ◽  
Keitaro Makino ◽  
Sho Nakakubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Memory Problems

Depressive symptoms and memory problems are risk factors for dementia. Exercise can reduce these in older people, and horticultural activity can benefit people with dementia. This study assessed the efficacy of exercise and horticultural interventions for community-dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms and mild memory decline. In this randomized controlled trial, older adults (n = 89) were assigned to exercise, horticultural, or control groups. Exercise and horticultural programs included 20 weekly 90-min sessions. The control group attended two 90-min classes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and then 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Primary outcome measures were the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised. Walking speed, two-minute walking test scores, social network, life space, and subjective daily physical activity were secondary outcome measures. Compared with the control group, the exercise group obtained higher immediate and delayed recall logical memory scores, and the increase in immediate recall scores remained 12-months post-intervention. Two-minute walking performance improved in the exercise group, but not after 12 months. GDS-15 scores showed no significant improvements. The horticultural and control groups showed no differences. Exercise may improve memory, while horticultural activity may not. The effects of exercise and horticultural interventions on depressive symptoms remain unclear.

scholarly journals Narrative Group Intervention to Rediscover Life Wisdom among Hong Kong Chinese Older Adults: A Single-Blind Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Oi Wah Chow ◽  
Sai-Fu Fung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Narrative Therapy ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background and Objectives We developed a new group practice using strength- and meaning-based Narrative Therapy (NT) for older Chinese living in Hong Kong (HK), to enhance their life wisdom. This paper reports on the intervention and its short- and longer-term effectiveness. Research Design and Methods A randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A total of 157 older adults were randomly recruited, of whom 75 were randomly assigned to the intervention group which received four two-hour bi-weekly NT sessions using the ‘Tree of Life’ (ToL) metaphor. The others were placed on a waitlist. Perceived wisdom was assessed using the Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (BSAWS). Assessment occurred at baseline (T0), end of treatment (T1), and four (T2) and eight months later (T3). Over-time effects of NT on wisdom scores were assessed using latent growth curve models with time-invariant covariates for impact. Results The intervention (NT) group showed significant, sustainable over-time within-group improvement in perceived wisdom. Moreover, compared with the control group, the NT group showed significant immediate improvements in perceived wisdom [F(2.726, p = 0.041)], which were maintained at all follow-up points. This effect remained after controlling for age, gender and educational level [TML(11) = 17.306, p = 0.098, RMSEA = 0.079, CFI = 0.960]. No adverse reaction was recorded. Discussion and Implications NT underpinned by a ToL methodology offers a new theory to understand, promote and appreciate perceived wisdom in older Chinese living in HK. It contributes to psychotherapy and professional social work practice for older Chinese.

scholarly journals Animal-Assisted Intervention Improves Pain Perception in Polymedicated Geriatric Patients with Chronic Joint Pain: A Clinical Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maylos Rodrigo-Claverol ◽  
Carles Casanova-Gonzalvo ◽  
Belén Malla-Clua ◽  
Esther Rodrigo-Claverol ◽  
Júlia Jové-Naval ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Post Intervention

Chronic joint pain is associated to an increase in the consumption of medication and decrease in life quality in elderly people, which requires developing non-pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of a group intervention, based on animal-assisted therapy and applied to elderly people with chronic joint pain and polymedication, regarding the decrease of chronic pain, use of analgesics and improvement of life quality. A randomized controlled trial, two arms and open-label was conducted in a Primary Health Center. Twelve weekly sessions of kinesitherapy; in the EG, these exercises were performed with the additional assistance of the therapy dog. A total of 52 participants (22 Control Group (CG), 30 EG), average age 77.50 (±7.3), women 90.4%. A significant reduction on post-intervention values of pain β = −0.67(−1.27, −0.08), p = 0.03 and pain induced insomnia β = −0.53(−1.01, −0.05), p = 0.03 was found in EG for increasing baseline values. Animal-assisted therapy leads to an additional reduction in the perception of pain and pain induced insomnia in individuals with higher baseline severity. The presence of the dog improves the attachment to intervention and the satisfaction of the participants.

EFFECTS OF A GROUP-BASED 8-WEEK MULTICOMPONENT COGNITIVE TRAINING ON COGNITION, MOOD AND ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING AMONG HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS: A ONE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
P. Srisuwan ◽  
D. Nakawiro ◽  
S. Chansirikarnjana ◽  
O. Kuha ◽  
P. Chaikongthong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Healthy Older Adults

ACKGROUND: Cognitive interventions have the potential to enhance cognition among healthy older adults. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of cognitive training (CT) on mood and activities of daily living (ADL). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent CT using a training program of executive functions, attention, memory and visuospatial functions (TEAM-V Program) on cognition, mood and instrumental ADL. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blinded, treatment-as-usual controlled trial. SETTING: Geriatric clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: 77 nondemented community-dwelling older adults (mean age 65.7±4.3 years). INTERVENTION: The CT (TEAM-V) program or the treatment-as-usual controlled group. The TEAM-V intervention was conducted over 5 sessions, with a 2-week interval between each session. Of 77 participants randomized (n=40 the TEAM-V program; n=37 the control group). MEASUREMENTS: The Thai version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog), Thai version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The Chula ADL were used to assess at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: Compared with the control arm, the TEAM-V Program was associated with reducing anxiety (P = 0.004). Compared with the baseline, participants receiving the TEAM-V Program were associated with significantly improved general cognition (MoCA, P < 0.001), immediate recall (word recall task, P = 0.01), retrieval and retention of memory process (word recognition task, P = 0.01), attention (number cancellation part A, P < 0.001) and executive function (maze test, P = 0.02) at 1 year. No training effects on depression (P = 0.097) and IADL (P = 0.27) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The TEAM-V Program was effective in reducing anxiety. Even though, the program did not significantly improve cognition, depression and ADL compared with the control group, global cognition, memory, attention and executive function improved in the intervention group compared with baseline. Further studies incorporating a larger sample size, longitudinal follow-up and higher-intensity CT should be conducted.

scholarly journals Associations Between Cognitive Function, Balance, and Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With COPD

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 230-230
Author(s):  
Shweta Gore ◽  
Jennifer Blackwood ◽  
Tyler Ziccardi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Delayed Recall

Abstract Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk for physical and cognitive impairment. Cognitive function is associated with falls in older adults however it is unknown if a relationship exists between cognitive function and falls in COPD. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive function and balance and mobility in older adults with COPD. A secondary analysis was performed using data from the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (N=4051). Cognitive (immediate and delayed recall, executive function) and physical (gait speed, tandem balance time) measure data was extracted from older adults with COPD (N=382) and an age matched control group without COPD (N=382) who met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Multivariate linear regression modeling was performed to examine associations between cognitive function and mobility or balance while controlling for age, gender, BMI, grip strength, and education. We found that in COPD, immediate word recall, delayed word recall, orientation, and executive function (β ranging from 0.004-0.02) were significantly associated with gait speed while only delayed word recall (β = 0.122, p &lt; .05) was associated with tandem balance. These same associations did not exist in those without COPD. In older adults with COPD, cognitive function is associated with balance and mobility. Screening for cognitive function, specifically delayed recall, should be a part of the management of falls in this population.

scholarly journals Weekly group tummy time classes are feasible and acceptable to mothers with infants: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndel Hewitt ◽  
Samantha Stephens ◽  
Abbe Spencer ◽  
Rebecca M. Stanley ◽  
Anthony D. Okely
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tummy Time

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends 30 min of tummy time daily for improved motor development and reduced likelihood of plagiocephaly. As only 30% of infants meet this recommendation, parents require strategies and support to increase this proportion. Methods The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a group intervention to promote tummy time. The design is a cluster randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Five groups of healthy infants (N = 35, baseline mean (SD) age 5.9 (2.8) weeks) and their mothers attending local mother’s groups (Australia) were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received group tummy time classes in addition to usual care. The control group received usual care with their child and family health nurse. Primary outcomes were intervention feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes were tummy time duration (accelerometry), adherence to physical activity guidelines, head shape, and motor development. Measures were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and when infants were 6 months of age. Analyses were by linear mixed models and Cohen’s d statistic. Results Recruitment, retention, and collection of objective data met feasibility targets. Acceptability was also met with intervention mothers reporting the information, goal planning, and handouts significantly more useful and relevant than control group mothers (p < 0.01). Moderate effect sizes were also found at post-intervention for tummy time duration, adherence to physical activity guidelines and infant ability in prone and supine favoring the intervention group (intervention infants had a mean of 30 min and 30% adherence to guidelines (95% CI 0 to 60.6 min) compared to the control infants who had a mean of 16.6 min and 13% adherence to the guidelines (95% CI 0 to 42.1 min, Cohen’s d = 0.5). Limitations were the small sample size, 4-week intervention, limited accelerometer use, and a homogenous sample of participants. Conclusion Group tummy time classes delivered in a mother’s group setting were shown to be feasible and acceptable. A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001298303p. Registered 11 September 2017

The Effects of Virtual Kayak Paddling Exercise on Postural Balance, Muscle Performance, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 861-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonjae Choi ◽  
Seungwon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Deterioration of physical and psychological health is an important issue in older adults aged 65 years or more. This study aimed to determine whether a virtual kayak paddling (VKP) exercise could improve postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to the VKP (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Participants in the VKP group performed the paddling exercise in a virtual environment for 60 min twice a week for 6 weeks, whereas those in the control group performed home exercises. Postural balance (p < .05), muscle performance (p < .05), and cognitive function (p < .05) were significantly improved in the VKP group and were superior to those in the control group (p < .05). Thus, the findings indicate that VKP exercise improves postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals The Humanoid Robot Sil-Bot in a Cognitive Training Program for Community-Dwelling Elderly People with Mild Cognitive Impairment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8198
Author(s):  
Eun-A Park ◽  
Ae-Ri Jung ◽  
Kyoung-A Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage preceding dementia, and early intervention is critical. This study investigated whether multi-domain cognitive training programs, especially robot-assisted training, conducted 12 times, twice a week for 6 weeks can improve cognitive function and depression decline in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 135 volunteers without cognitive impairment aged 60 years old or older. Participants were first randomized into two groups. One group consisted of 90 participants who would receive cognitive training and 45 who would not receive any training (NI). The cognitive training group was randomly divided into two groups, 45 who received traditional cognitive training (TCT) and 45 who received robot-assisted cognitive training (RACT). The training for both groups consisted of a daily 60 min session, twice a week for six weeks. Results: RACT participants had significantly greater post-intervention improvement in cognitive function (t = 4.707, p < 0.001), memory (t = −2.282, p = 0.007), executive function (t = 4.610, p < 0.001), and depression (t = −3.307, p = 0.004). TCT participants had greater post-intervention improvement in memory (t = −6.671, p < 0.001) and executive function (t = 5.393, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A 6-week robot-assisted, multi-domain cognitive training program can improve the efficiency of global cognitive function and depression during cognitive tasks in older adults with MCI, which is associated with improvements in memory and executive function.

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