scholarly journals Integrated cognitive and physical fitness training enhances attention abilities in older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquin Anguera ◽  
Joshua Volponi ◽  
Alexander Simon ◽  
Courtney Gallen ◽  
Camarin Rolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Fitness Training

Abstract Preserving attention abilities is of great concern to older adults who are motivated to maintain their quality of life as they age. Both cognitive and physical fitness interventions have been utilized in intervention studies to assess maintenance and enhancement of attention abilities in seniors, and a coupling of these approaches is a compelling strategy to buttress both cognitive and physical health in a time- and resource-effective manner. With this perspective, we created a closed-loop, motion-capture video game (Body-Brain Trainer: BBT) that adapts a player’s cognitive and physical demands in an integrated approach, thus creating a personalized and cohesive experience across both domains. Older adults who engaged in two months of BBT improved on both physical fitness and attention outcome measures beyond that of an expectancy-matched, active, placebo control group, with maintenance of improved attention performance evidenced 1 year later. Following training, the BBT group’s improvement on the attention outcome measure exceeded performance levels attained by an untrained group of 20-year-olds, and showed age-equilibration of a neural signature of attention shown to decline with age: midline frontal theta power. These findings highlight the potential benefits of an integrated, cognitive-physical, closed-loop training platform as a powerful tool for both cognitive and physical enhancement in older adults.

scholarly journals Virtual reality video game improves high-fidelity memory in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E. Wais ◽  
Melissa Arioli ◽  
Roger Anguera-Singla ◽  
Adam Gazzaley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
High Fidelity

AbstractTherapeutic interventions have not yet been shown to demonstrate restorative effects for declining long-term memory (LTM) that affects many healthy older adults. We developed a virtual reality (VR) spatial wayfinding game (Labyrinth-VR) as a cognitive intervention with the hypothesis that it could improve detailed, high-fidelity LTM capability. Spatial navigation tasks have been used as a means to achieve environmental enrichment via exposure to and learning about novel and complex information. Engagement has been shown to enhance learning and has been linked to the vitality of the LTM system in the brain. In the current study, 48 older adults (mean age 68.7 ± 6.4 years) with average cognitive abilities for their age were randomly assigned to 12 h of computer game play over four weeks in either the Labyrinth-VR or placebo control game arms. Promptly before and after each participant’s treatment regimen, high-fidelity LTM outcome measures were tested to assess mnemonic discrimination and other memory measures. The results showed a post-treatment gain in high-fidelity LTM capability for the Labyrinth-VR arm, relative to placebo, which reached the levels attained by younger adults in another experiment. This novel finding demonstrates generalization of benefits from the VR wayfinding game to important, and untrained, LTM capabilities. These cognitive results are discussed in the light of relevant research for hippocampal-dependent memory functions.

Does a Multicomponent Exercise Program Improve Physical Fitness in Older Adults? Findings From a 5-Year Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Andréa Kruger Gonçalves ◽  
Eliane Mattana Griebler ◽  
Wagner Albo da Silva ◽  
Débora Pastoriza Sant´Helena ◽  
Priscilla Cardoso da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Multicomponent Program ◽  
Post Hoc

The objective was to assess the physical fitness of older adults participating in a 5-year multicomponent exercise program. The sample consisted of 138 older adults aged 60–93 years (70.4 ± 7.8 years) evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test (muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). The multicomponent program was carried out between the months of March and November of each year. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (factor year: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5; factor time: pretest and posttest) with Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Participation in the multicomponent exercise program for 5 years (baseline pretest Year 1 and follow-up Year 5) improved lower and upper limb strength, lower limb flexibility, and balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, while upper limb flexibility was maintained. Year-by-year analysis revealed variable patterns for each fitness parameter. The results of this study show the potential benefits of implementing a long-term community-based exercise program.

scholarly journals IS COMBINED TRAINING MORE EFFECTIVE THAN SINGLE-DOMAIN TRAINING: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL WITH OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S721-S721
Author(s):  
Soledad Ballesteros ◽  
Jennifer Rieker ◽  
josé M Reales ◽  
julia Mayas ◽  
María Pilar Jiménez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Activity

Abstract Previous research suggests that both cognitive training and physical exercise help to maintain brain health and cognitive functions that decline with age. The main objectives of this four-arms RCT are (1) to investigate the synergetic effects of a group-based multidomain training program that combines cognitive video-game training with physical exercise, in comparison to those produced by cognitive training combined with physical control activity, physical training combined with cognitive control activity, or a combination of both control activities; (2) to investigate in a memory-based task switching task whether event Related Potential (ERP) latencies of the P2 component are shorter, and N2 and P3b components are enhanced after training; and (3) to find out whether possible enhancements persist after a 3-month period without training. One hundred and twenty participants will be randomly assigned to one of the four combinations of cognitive training and physical exercise. The cognitive component will be either video-game training (cognitive intervention, CI) or video games not specifically designed to train cognition (cognitive control, CC). The physical exercise component will either emphasize endurance, strength, and music-movement coordination (exercise intervention, EI) or stretching, toning and relaxation (exercise control, EC). This RCT will investigate the short and long-term effects of combined multi-domain training compared to cognitive training and physical training alone, on executive control and memory functions of healthy older adults, in comparison with the performance of an active control group. This trial is an ongoing project started in 2018. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03823183; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/

The Effect of Guided Relaxation and Exercise Imagery on Self-Reported Leisure-Time Exercise Behaviors in Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bang Hyun Kim ◽  
Roberta A. Newton ◽  
Michael L. Sachs ◽  
Peter R. Giacobbi ◽  
Joseph J. Glutting
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Exercise Behaviors ◽  
Placebo Control Group ◽  
Exercise Imagery ◽  
Guided Relaxation

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-wk intervention that used guided relaxation and exercise imagery (GREI) to increase self-reported leisure-time exercise behavior among older adults. A total of 93 community-dwelling healthy older adults (age 70.38 ± 8.15 yr, 66 female) were randomly placed in either a placebo control group or an intervention group. The intervention group received instructions to listen to an audio compact disk (CD) containing a GREI program, and the placebo control group received an audio CD that contained 2 relaxation tracks and instructions to listen to music of their choice for 6 wk. Results revealed that listening to a GREI CD for 6 wk significantly increased self-reported leisure-time exercise behaviors (p = .03). Further exploration of GREI and its effects on other psychological variables related to perceived exercise behaviors may substantiate its effectiveness.

scholarly journals Efficacy of physical activities on children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Bedier Ibrahim ◽  
Mahmoud Labib ◽  
Hamed Khozamy ◽  
Wanees Mohamed Badawy
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Fitness Training

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the serious chronic rheumatic disorders in children and adolescents which results in less physical activities and restlessness hours than their peer. The study aims to assess the efficacy of physical fitness training exercises on aerobic capacity and muscular strength of children with JIA. Sixty-five children with JIA were included in the study, out of a total of 70 children who were screened for eligibility. Children were randomized to a control group (n = 32) who received hot packs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and strengthening exercises, or a study group (n = 33) who received a physical fitness training program (hydrotherapy pool exercises, bicycle ergometer, and treadmill apparatus) in addition to what had been given to the control group. Both groups were engaged in a training program for 12 consecutive weeks for three times per week. Evaluation was done pre- and post-interventions included: peak oxygen uptake (Vo2 peak) during an incremental treadmill test and muscle strength assessed by isokinetic dynamometer. Results The current study showed that there were significant differences between pre- and post-interventions in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparing the two groups, there were statistically significant differences between children in both groups in favor of the study group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Physical fitness exercise training resulted in improved aerobic capacity and muscle strength of children with JIA. The obtained results suggested that children with arthritis could participate in formal exercise testing and structural physical fitness program. Trial registration PACTR, PACTR201907504136763. Registered on May 21, 2019. Retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID = 8150.

Competitive and Cooperative Physical Fitness Training Programs for Girls: Effects on Physical Fitness and Multidimensional Self-Concepts

1988 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert W. Marsh ◽  
Naida D. Peart
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
The Other ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Ability ◽  
Cooperative Program ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Content Specificity ◽  
Fitness Training ◽  
Fitness Programs

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the differential effects of a competitive and a cooperative fitness program for high school girls on physical fitness and on multidimensional self-concepts. Consistent with the content specificity of self-concept, physical fitness was significantly correlated with self-concept of physical ability (r=.45) but not with any of the other 10 self-concept scales (all r<.ll). Both the competitive and cooperative programs significantly enhanced physical fitness compared to a randomly assigned control group; but the cooperative program also enhanced physical ability self-concept and, to a lesser extent, physical appearance self-concept whereas the competitive program lowered them. The intervention had no significant effects on the other self-concept scales. The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of cooperatively oriented physical fitness programs for girls and the content specificity of multiple dimensions of self-concept.

scholarly journals Open-Loop Audiovisual Stimulation Induces Delta EEG Activity in Older Adults With Osteoarthritis Pain and Insomnia

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-317
Author(s):  
Hsin-Yi (Jean) Tang ◽  
Susan M. McCurry ◽  
Barbara Riegel ◽  
Kenneth C. Pike ◽  
Michael V. Vitiello
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Active Group ◽  
Chronic Insomnia ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Audiovisual Stimulation ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Osteoarthritis Pain

Objective: People with chronic insomnia tend to have cortical hyperarousal marked by excessive beta-/gamma-frequency brain activity during both wake and sleep. Currently, treatment options for managing hyperarousal are limited. Open-loop audiovisual stimulation (AVS) may be such a treatment. The purpose of this study was to provide a mechanistic foundation for future AVS research in sleep promotion by examining quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) responses to an AVS sleep-induction program. Method: Sixteen older adults with both chronic insomnia and osteoarthritis pain were randomly assigned to either active- or placebo-control AVS. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was collected during baseline (5 min, eyes closed/resting) and throughout 30 min of AVS. Results: Findings showed significantly elevated mean baseline gamma (35–45 Hz) power in both groups compared to an age- and gender-matched, noninsomnia normative database, supporting cortical hyperarousal. After 30 min of exposure to AVS, the active group showed significantly increased delta power compared to the placebo-control group, providing the first controlled evidence that active AVS induction increases delta QEEG activity in insomnia patients and that these changes are immediate. In the active group, brain locations that showed the most delta induction (Cz, Fp, O1, and O2) were associated with the sensory–thalamic pathway, consistent with the sensory stimulation provided by the active AVS program. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that delta induction, which can promote sleep, is achievable using a 30-min open-loop AVS program. The potential for AVS treatment of insomnia in the general population remains to be demonstrated in well-designed clinical trials.

Is Stretching Exercise An Adequate Control Group in Clinical Trials Aimed at Improving Physical Fitness and Function of Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 889-910
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Sanchez-Lastra ◽  
Antonio J. Molina ◽  
Vicente Martin ◽  
Tania Fernández-Villa ◽  
Jose M. Cancela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Control Therapy ◽  
And Function

This study aimed to determine if stretching exercise can be implemented as an adequate control therapy in exercise randomized controlled trials aimed at improving physical fitness and physical function in older adults. Five electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials focused in the physical fitness and function of older adults using stretching exercise as control group. The methodological quality was assessed and a meta-analysis was carried out. Sixteen studies were included, 13 in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality ranged from fair to good. The meta-analysis only in the controls resulted in significant improvements in different functional parameters related to walking, balance, knee flexion strength, or global physical function. The interventions, compared with the controls, significantly improved balance and knee strength parameters. Stretching exercise as control therapy in older people can lead to beneficial effects and could influence the interpretation of the effect size in the intervention groups.

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