CAN GOLF INFLUENCE GAIT AND COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS?

Abstract Gait speed and cognition are important predictors of successful aging. Both slow gait speeds and cognitive decline are associated with poor health outcomes, including hospitalization, falls, institutionalization and death. Exercise interventions can improve both gait and cognitive performance in older adults. Golf is a multimodal, cognitively-challenging physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of a 12-week golf intervention on walking performance and cognition in older adults. Gait speed and cognition were measured in intervention (INT) and control (CON) groups (n=20) before and after a 12-week period. The INT participated in a 12-week golf training program (2 x weekly; 90 min per session). All participants completed six-minute walk test (6MWT), fast single-task gait speed (STGS), fast dual-task gait speed (DTGS) with a subtraction by 3s task, California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and National Institute Health Toolbox-Cognition (NIH-C). 2x2 (Time*Group) Mixed ANOVA revealed significant time*group interactions for 6MWT (p=0.05), STGS (p=0.02), DTGS (p=0.01), CVLT (p=0.01), and NIH-C Fluid Cognition (p=0.06) had a trend towards significance. Post-hoc t-tests demonstrated that INT significantly improved their pre-to-post 6MWT, STGS, DTGS, CVLT, and NIH-C Fluid. CON had no significant pre-to-post intervention changes. Participants in the 12-week golf training program improved gait and cognitive performance, compared to CON. These results provide evidence that golf, as a cognitively-challenging physical activity, may improve physical and cognitive function, leading to attenuated risk for poor health outcomes, maintaining independence and improved quality of life.

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The Benefits of Physical Activity in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Longitudinal Investigation Using fNIRS and Dual-Task Walking

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040579 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 579

Author(s):

Deborah Talamonti ◽

Thomas Vincent ◽

Sarah Fraser ◽

Anil Nigam ◽

Frédéric Lesage ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Cortical Response

Cardiovascular fitness is linked to better executive functions, preserved gait speed, and efficient cortical activity. Older adults with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) typically show poor cognitive performance, low physical fitness, and altered brain functioning compared with healthy individuals. In the current study, the impact of regular physical activity on cognition, locomotion, and brain functions was explored in a cohort of older adults with low or high CVRFs. Cortical activation of the frontal areas was investigated using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months. Evoked cortical response and behavioral performance were assessed using the dual-task walking paradigm, consisting of three conditions: single cognitive task (2-back task), single walking task (walking), and dual-task (2-back whilst walking). Results show greater task-related cortical response at baseline in individuals with high CVRFs compared to those with low CVRFs. Moreover, participants with high CVRFs benefitted the most from participating in regular physical activity, as their cortical response decreased at the 12-month follow-up and became comparable to that of participants with low CVRFs. These changes were observed in conjunction with improved cognitive performance and stable gait speed throughout the 12-month period in both groups. Our findings provide evidence that participation in regular physical activity may be especially beneficial in individuals with CVRFs by promoting brain and cognitive health, thus potentially contributing to prevention of cognitive decline. Future research may explore whether such effects are maintained in the long-term in order to design ad-hoc interventions in this specific population.

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Effects of Moderate Aerobic Training on Cognitive Performance and Dyslipidemia in Sedentary Older Adults

10.21203/rs.3.rs-52549/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad H. Alghadir ◽

Sami Gabr

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Aerobic Fitness ◽

Aerobic Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Exercise Interventions ◽

Lipoprotein A

Abstract Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on the levels of lipids and lipoprotein; Lipo(a) markers and its association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Methods: A total of 150 healthy subjects (100 males, 50 females; age range; 65-95Yrs) were recruited for this study. Based up on LOTCA test score, subjects were classified randomly into two groups control group (n= 50) and cognitive impairment group (n=100).Cognitive functioning, Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lipid profile; total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c, LDL-C, and Lipo(a) were assessed at baseline and post- 24 week aerobic exercise interventions using LOTCA battery, pre validated PA questionnaire, colorimetric and immunoassay techniques respectively. Results. Significant improvements in the cognitive function and modulation in lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) markers were reported in all older subjects following 24 week of moderate exercise. LOTCA-7-sets scores showed a significant correlation with physical activity status and the regulation of lipids and lipo(a) markers. Physically active persons showed a higher cognitive performance along with reduction in the levels of T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, Lipo(a) , and increase in the levels of HDL-C and aerobic fitness VO2max compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with the increase in aerobic fitness, HDL-C, and negatively with T-Cholest.,TG, LDL-C, Lipo(a) respectively. However, a significant increase, in the improvement of motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, attention and concentration was reported among older adults. Conclusions: The data concluded that supervised moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks plays a positive significant effect in improving cognitive functions via modulating lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) of older adults.

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COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE DOES NOT LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION IN THE LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS AND INDEPENDENCE FOR ELDERS PILOT STUDY (LIFE-P)

Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease ◽

10.14283/jpad.2016.107 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

K.F. Reid ◽

M.P. Walkup ◽

J.A. Katula ◽

K.M. Sink ◽

S. Anton, ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Maintenance Phase ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Lifestyle Interventions ◽

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: We examined whether multiple domains of baseline cognitive performance were associated with prospective physical activity (PA) adherence in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot study (LIFE-P). Design, Setting, Participants: The LIFE-P study was a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention compared to a successful aging educational intervention in sedentary, mobility-limited older adults. Intervention: A 12-month structured, moderate-intensity, multi-modal PA program that included walking, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. For the first 2 months (adoption), 3 center-based exercise sessions (40–60 min) / week were conducted. During the next 4 months (transition), center-based sessions were conducted 2 times / week. The subsequent maintenance phase consisted of optional once-to-twice-per-week center-based sessions and home-based PA. Measurements: Tests of executive and global cognitive functioning, working memory and psychomotor speed were administered at baseline. Median test scores were used to dichotomize participants into low or high cognitive performance groups. Results: 52 mobility-limited older adults (age: 76.9 ±5 yrs) were randomized to the PA arm of LIFE-P. Compared to participants with high cognitive performance, participants with low performance had similar PA adherence rates (all P ≥ 0.34). Furthermore, weak and non-significant univariate relationships were elicited between all measures of cognition and overall PA adherence levels (r values ranged: -0.20 to 0.12, P ≥ 0.12). Conclusion: These data suggest that cognitive performance does not limit long-term PA adherence in mobility-limited older adults. Additional studies in larger cohorts are warranted to verify these findings.

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Physical Activity in Aging Population

European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies ◽

10.26417/ejis.v5i3.p74-80 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 74

Author(s):

Rezarta Stena ◽

Klara Hysenaj ◽

Mitilda Gugu Karoli ◽

Armelda Teta ◽

Gjergji Doka

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Training Program ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Trunk Flexibility

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and also that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age. Adopting a more active lifestyle and doing regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercises, daily walking etc. have been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters in older adults. We assessed a potential participant from Elbasan (Albania), 67 years, for eligibility to participate in a 5 month training program. The subject gave written informed consent before inclusion.The following parameters were measured at the beginning (baseline) and end of the training period: BMI, body fat percentage, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility and range of motion, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, as well as VO2 max, directly and/or an estimate using the Rockport fitness test estimate. An initial evaluation was carried out just before starting the training (baseline). A second evaluation was made 5 months after starting the program of physical exercise (post training). Each evaluation included the recording of health related events, such as any changes in previous symptoms, as well as measurements of balance, flexibility, body composition, coordination, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, to detect any changes that might have been induced specifically by physical activity. The subject’s attendance and participation in the program was also recorded. Range of motion for each part evaluated (trunk, hip, cervical region and shoulder) is improved about 15-20° degree. BMI, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, VO2 max are also improved after training program. Following a training program or a regular physical activity in older adults minimise impairments characteristics in this age and cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters. According to the low importance shown in my country for the physical activity in older adults, I want to emphasize the importance of state structures involvement and the sensibilization of this group of age to stimulate an actively participation in physical training programs followed by professionals for bests life parameters. A higher investment for this age group, building as many facilities as possible for activation and spending quality free time, hiring more physiotherapists in nursing homes will increase life motivation and improve the quality and the parameters of living.

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Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9061986 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1986 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zan Gao ◽

Jung Eun Lee ◽

Daniel J. McDonough ◽

Callie Albers

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Intervention Strategy ◽

Effective Intervention ◽

World Health ◽

Motor Ability ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Wellness Promotion

The December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China has led to worldwide quarantine, as recommended by local governments and the World Health Organization. Particularly affected are older adults (i.e., those aged ≥ 65 years) who are at elevated risk for various adverse health outcomes, including declines in motor ability and physical activity (PA) participation, increased obesity, impaired cognition, and various psychological disorders. Thus, given the secular increases in the older adult population, novel and effective intervention strategies are necessary to improve physical activity behaviors and health in this population. Virtual reality (VR)-integrated exercise is a promising intervention strategy, which has been utilized in healthcare fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial is to synthesize recent research examining the efficacy and effectiveness of VR exercise in the promotion of favorable health outcomes among the older adults. Results indicate the application of VR exercise to facilitate improved physical outcomes (e.g., enhanced motor ability, reduced obesity), cognition and psychological outcomes. VR exercise has also been observed to be an effective intervention strategy for fall prevention in this population. Future research should employ more rigorous research designs to allow for a more robust quantitative synthesis of the effect of VR exercise on the preceding outcomes to elucidate which type(s) of VR-based PA interventions are most effective in promoting improved health outcomes among older adults. Findings from this study will better inform the development of technology-savvy PA programs for wellness promotion in older adults who practice social distancing and exercise from home under the unprecedented global health crisis.

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THE POSSIBILITY OF LINKING SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED NEUROCOGNITIVE PLASTICITY: CAN COGNITIVE TRAINING INFLUENCE COMPENSATORY BRAIN ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS? THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL PREMISES

Acta Neuropsychologica ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0014.5290 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 507-523

Author(s):

Ludmiła Zając-Lamparska

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Study Design ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Reference Group ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Before And After ◽

Theory Of Aging

One of the most important determinants of successful aging is cognitive ability. Although cognitive decline is a well-documented phenomenon characteristic of aging, it is acknowledged that aging can also be related to cognitive neuroplasticity that allows one to compensate the decline and adapt to it. Cognitive neuroplasticity may be spontaneous or induced by external influences. An example of the former is compensatory brain activity in older adults, and the latter – improvement in cognitive functioning under the influence of cognitive training. Both the compensatory brain activity of older adults and the effectiveness of cognitive training in this age group have already been extensively studied. However, it has not yet been examined whether they can be linked. The article indicates theoretical and empirical premises for the possibility of influencing compensatory brain activity in older adults by cognitive training. In the most comprehensive way the phenomenon of compensatory brain activity in older adults is addressed by the STAC model – the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition, which also provides the theoretical grounds for the possible impact of cognitive training on compensatory brain activity. There are also empirical arguments in favour of such an impact, but they are quite limited in nature. The reason for this is the lack of research directly addressing the problem of the consistency of brain activity changes resulting from cognitive training with the assumptions of compensatory brain activity models, such as STAC. The theoretical grounds for the linkage of compensatory brain activity in older adults with the influence of cognitive training are clear. However, the analysis of the studies discussed in the article suggests that failing to embed the study design within the theoretical framework of compensatory brain activity in older adults may lead to the exclusion of factors important in drawing conclusions about this phenomenon. The following elements of the study design were identified as necessary to include: participation of young adults in the study as a reference group, usage of tasks in different difficulty levels during the measurement of brain activity and consideration of the relation between brain activity and cognitive performance, and comparison of brain activity in relation to cognitive performance before and after training in both, older and young adults.

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Neighborhood walkability and health outcomes among older adults: The mediating role of physical activity

Health & Place ◽

10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.11.003 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 ◽

pp. 16-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Jelle Van Cauwenberg ◽

Veerle Van Holle ◽

Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽

Delfien Van Dyck ◽

Benedicte Deforche

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Mediating Role

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Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

Kinesiology Review ◽

10.1123/kr.2014-0043 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 101-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Improve Quality ◽

Reduce Risk

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

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Impact of a Wearable Device-Based Walking Programs in Rural Older Adults on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes: Cohort Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11335 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Il-Young Jang ◽

Hae Reong Kim ◽

Eunju Lee ◽

Hee-Won Jung ◽

Hyelim Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Wearable Devices ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Wearable Device ◽

Self Management ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Community-dwelling older adults living in rural areas are in a less favorable environment for health care compared with urban older adults. We believe that intermittent coaching through wearable devices can help optimize health care for older adults in medically limited environments. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether a wearable device and mobile-based intermittent coaching or self-management could increase physical activity and health outcomes of small groups of older adults in rural areas. METHODS To address the above evaluation goal, we carried out the “Smart Walk” program, a health care model wherein a wearable device is used to promote self-exercise particularly among community-dwelling older adults managed by a community health center. We randomly selected older adults who had enrolled in a population-based, prospective cohort study of aging, the Aging Study of Pyeongchang Rural Area. The “Smart Walk” program was a 13-month program conducted from March 2017 to March 2018 and included 6 months of coaching, 1 month of rest, and 6 months of self-management. We evaluated differences in physical activity and health outcomes according to frailty status and conducted pre- and postanalyses of the Smart Walk program. We also performed intergroup analysis according to adherence of wearable devices. RESULTS We recruited 22 participants (11 robust and 11 prefrail older adults). The two groups were similar in most of the variables, except for age, frailty index, and Short Physical Performance Battery score associated with frailty criteria. After a 6-month coaching program, the prefrail group showed significant improvement in usual gait speed (mean 0.73 [SD 0.11] vs mean 0.96 [SD 0.27], P=.02), International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores in kcal (mean 2790.36 [SD 2224.62] vs mean 7589.72 [SD 4452.52], P=.01), and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions score (mean 0.84 [SD 0.07] vs mean 0.90 [SD 0.07], P=.02), although no significant improvement was found in the robust group. The average total step count was significantly different and was approximately four times higher in the coaching period than in the self-management period (5,584,295.83 vs 1,289,084.66, P<.001). We found that participants in the “long-self” group who used the wearable device for the longest time showed increased body weight and body mass index by mean 0.65 (SD 1.317) and mean 0.097 (SD 0.513), respectively, compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS Our “Smart Walk” program improved physical fitness, anthropometric measurements, and geriatric assessment categories in a small group of older adults in rural areas with limited resources for monitoring. Further validation through various rural public health centers and in a large number of rural older adults is required.

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Muscular Function: An alternative way to identify cognitive impairment, Secondary Analysis From SABE-Colombia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-131443/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elkin Garcia-Cifuentes ◽

Felipe Botero-Rodríguez ◽

Felipe Ramirez Velandia ◽

Angela Iragorri ◽

Isabel Marquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Motor Function ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Cognitively Impaired ◽

Recall Memory

Abstract Background Traditionally, the identification of cognitive impairment is based on neuropsychological tests and supported with not widely available biomarkers. This study aimed to establish the association between motor function (Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength) and the performance in a global cognitive performance and various cognitive domains. Our secondary objective was to determine a cut-off point for Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength to classify older adults as cognitively impaired. Methods This is a secondary analysis from the SABE Colombia study (Health, Well-Being, and Aging) conducted in 2015. We performed linear regression models, to establish association with motor function, clinical, and sociodemographic variables, and predict the scores of the Mini-mental State Examination and its domains (i.e. orientation, recall, counting, and language). The evaluation of the motor function variables as an instrument to separate cognitively impaired older adults was evaluated by developing a receiving operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results Gait speed was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.16), language (r2 = 0.15), recall memory (r2 = 0.14) and counting (r2 = 0.08). Similarly, handgrip strength was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.175), language (r2 = 0.164), recall memory (r2 = 0.137), and counting (r2 = 0.08). Slow gait had a cut-off point of 0,59 m/s, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.629 (0.613–0.646), whereas a weak handgrip strength had an AUC of 0.653 (0.645–0.661), with a cut-off point of 17.50 Kg for separating those older adults with cognitive impairment. Conclusions Gait Speed or Handgrip Strength are similarly associated with cognitive performance, exhibiting the larger associations with orientation and language domains. Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength can be easily performed by any clinician and seems to be useful screening tools to detect cognitive impairment.

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