Efficacy of Brain Gym Training on the Cognitive Performance and Fitness Level of Active Older Adults: A Preliminary Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
José M. Cancela ◽  
M Helena Vila Suárez, ◽  
Jamine Vasconcelos ◽  
Ana Lima ◽  
Carlos Ayán
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Brain Gym ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Training Groups ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
The Impact

This study evaluates the impact of Brain Gym (BG) training in active older adults. Eighty-five participants were assigned to four training groups: BG (n = 18), BG plus water-based exercise (n = 18), land-based exercise (n = 30), and land plus water-based exercise (n = 19). The effects of the programs on the attention and memory functions were assessed by means of the symbol digit modality test. The two-min step and the eight-foot up-and-go tests were used to evaluate their impact on fitness level. No program had a significant influence on the participant’s cognitive performance, while different effects on the sample’ fitness levels were observed. These findings suggest that the effects of BG on the cognitive performance and fitness level of active older adults are similar to those obtained after the practice of a traditional exercise program. Whether BG is performed in isolation or combined with other exercise programs seems to have no influence on such effects.

scholarly journals The relationship between memory complaints and age in normal aging

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís Bento Lima-Silva ◽  
Mônica Sanches Yassuda
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Memory Complaint ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory. Memory complaints are common among older adults, and may indicate depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Objectives: To investigate the association between memory complaints and age in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance. Methods: Cognitive screening tests as well as memory complaint questionnaires validated for the Brazilian population were used: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), Memory test of 18 pictures, Forward and Backward Digit Span (WAIS-III). Fifty seven regular members of the SESC social club participated (50 women), having a mean age of 71.4 years, and 4 to 8 years of education - 34 from 4 to 7 years and 23 with 8 years of education. Results: Results revealed no significant association between cognitive complaints and age or cognitive performance. Older participants in this sample did not show worse performance or a higher level of complaints. There was no significant association between age and GDS scores. Conclusions: The studied sample constitutes a particular group of older adults whose participation in activities may be protecting them from cognitive decline, thus highlighting the impact of lifestyle on cognitive performance during the aging process.

scholarly journals Senior Dance Experience, Cognitive Performance, and Brain Volume in Older Women

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Niemann ◽  
Ben Godde ◽  
Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Motor Fitness

Physical activity is positively related to cognitive functioning and brain volume in older adults. Interestingly, different types of physical activity vary in their effects on cognition and on the brain. For example, dancing has become an interesting topic in aging research, as it is a popular leisure activity among older adults, involving cardiovascular and motor fitness dimensions that can be positively related to cognition. However, studies on brain structure are missing. In this study, we tested the association of long-term senior dance experience with cognitive performance and gray matter brain volume in older women aged 65 to 82 years. We compared nonprofessional senior dancers (n=28) with nonsedentary control group participants without any dancing experience (n=29), who were similar in age, education, IQ score, lifestyle and health factors, and fitness level. Differences neither in the four tested cognitive domains (executive control, perceptual speed, episodic memory, and long-term memory) nor in brain volume (VBM whole-brain analysis, region-of-interest analysis of the hippocampus) were observed. Results indicate that moderate dancing activity (1-2 times per week, on average) has no additional effects on gray matter volume and cognitive functioning when a certain lifestyle or physical activity and fitness level are reached.

scholarly journals The Impact of Blood Pressure Dipping Status on Cognition, Mobility, and Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults Following an Exercise Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 233372141877033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narlon C. Boa Sorte Silva ◽  
Michael A. Gregory ◽  
Dawn P. Gill ◽  
Cheri L. McGowan ◽  
Robert J. Petrella
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Blood Pressure Dipping ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Effects of a Nintendo Wii exercise program versus Tai Chi Chuan on standing balance in older adults: a preliminary study

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeska Gatica-Rojas ◽  
Ricardo Cartes-Velásquez ◽  
Maria Eliana Albornoz-Verdugo ◽  
Alex Soto-Poblete ◽  
Renato S. Monteiro-Junior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Nintendo Wii ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Preliminary Study

Exergaming as a tool to enhance strength, balance, gait, mobility, participation, self-efficacy for exercise and adherence in older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A C Martins ◽  
J Quatorze ◽  
D Guia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction It is projected that the number of adults aged 60 or above will be 1.4 billion in 2030 and 2.1 billion in 2050. With aging, mobility limitations can cause severe difficulties on being independent during activities of daily living. Exercise has been shown as effective to counteract the impact of aging, although it is hard to create adherence. Exergames, as they increase the appeal of exercise, show promising results in terms of participation and promotion of healthy behaviours. Objectives This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program incorporated in FallSensing Exergames. Methodology Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 or over, were recruited from facilities in Coimbra, Portugal and randomized in two groups, 27 allocated to the intervention (IG) and 34 to the control (CG). Regular activities of daily living (CG) were compared to an Exergame program (IG). Assessments were made at baseline and re-assessments at 8 weeks/16 sessions, regarding strength, balance, walking speed, participation and self-efficacy for exercise. Results 61 older adults (77% female), mean ages were 82.22 (IG) and 87.26 (CG) years. After 8 weeks, CG demonstrated a decrease in functional ability. IG got improvement in Step test (p = 0.001), 4 Stage Balance Modified test (p = 0.001), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (p = 0.009) and Activities and Participation Profile Related to Mobility (p < 0.001) questionnaires. Conclusion Exergaming was safe and effective in improving functional ability, participation and self-efficacy. Nevertheless, some considerations are necessary when prescribing an Exergames, mainly concerning frequency and intensity of the exercise program and participants’ age.

The Impact of High-Calorie-Expenditure Exercise on Quality of Life in Older Adults With Coronary Heart Disease

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzy Pope ◽  
Jean Harvey-Berino ◽  
Patrick Savage ◽  
Janice Bunn ◽  
Maryann Ludlow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Calorie Expenditure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
High Calorie

The acceptability of a high-calorie-expenditure (HCE) exercise program in older coronary heart disease patients participating in a behavioral weight-control program was evaluated. Seventy-four overweight patients (median age 63 yr) were randomly assigned to a 5-mo intervention of HCE exercise (3,000–3,500 kcal/wk daily walking) or standard cardiac-rehabilitation (CR) exercise (700–800 kcal/wk). Both groups received counseling to achieve a dietary caloric deficit of 3,500 kcal/ wk. Assessments at baseline and 5 mo included self-reported measures of quality of life and psychosocial variables. The HCE group experienced significantly greater weight loss (8.2 ± 4 vs. 3.7 ± 5 kg,p< .001). Changes from baseline to 5 mo on scores of physical, emotional, and social functioning were greater for the HCE than CR group (p< .05). HCE exercise also resulted in greater positive change in exercise enjoyment (p= .05), which was mediated by weight change. Even high-risk older adults can be successful in an HCE exercise program and experience no adverse physical or emotional changes.

scholarly journals Family and Community Support, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Findings From the Health, Wellbeing and Aging Study Population-Based Cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Nery Souza-Talarico ◽  
Elke Bromberg ◽  
Jair Licio Ferreira Santos ◽  
Betania Souza Freitas ◽  
Diego Ferreira Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Functional Family ◽  
The Impact

Background: Social networks can modulate physiological responses, protects against the detrimental consequences of prolonged stress, and enhance health outcomes. Family ties represent an essential source of social networks among older adults. However, the impact of family support on cognitive performance and the biological factors influencing that relationship is still unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship between family support, cognitive performance and BDNF levels.Methods: Cross-sectional data from three-hundred, eight-six individuals aged on average 60 years enrolled in the Health, Wellbeing and Aging Study (SABE), a population-cohort study, were assessed for family support, community support and cognitive performance. Structural and functional family support was evaluated based on family size and interactions allied to scores in the Family APGAR questionnaire. Community assistance (received or provided) assessed the community support. Cognitive performance was determined using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), verbal fluency (animals per minute) and backward digital span. Blood samples were obtained to determine BDNF levels.Results: Multivariate analysis showed that functional family support, but not structural, was associated with higher MMSE, verbal fluency and digit span scores, even controlling for potential cofounders (p &lt; 0.001). Providing support to the community, rather than receiving support from others, was associated with better cognitive performance (p &lt; 0.001). BDNF concentration was not associated with community support, family function, or cognitive performance.Conclusion: These findings suggest that emotional components of functional family and community support (e.g., loving and empathic relationship) may be more significant to cognitive health than size and frequency of social interactions.

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