scholarly journals Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Mental Health in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Yao ◽  
Hanliu Fang ◽  
Wanchun Leng ◽  
Junfeng Li ◽  
Jindong Chang

Introduction: The recommendation of exercise programs in the senior population may benefit inactive and sedentary individuals and improve and help to treat specific health conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the published evidence from RCT studies of aerobic exercise interventions for mental health in older adults over the last 20 years.Methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and ProQuest.Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The subjects of these studies were aged 60 years or older and had various physical health statuses. In 15 studies, the mean effect size for the experimental outcome was 0.56 ± 0.39 (95%CI: 0.36–0.76). One-way ANOVA indicated no significant differences in the intervention duration [F(2,15) = 0.919, p = 0.420], subject category [F(2,15) = 0.046, p = 0.955], or measurement category [F(3,14) = 0.967, p = 0.436]. However, there were significant differences in exercise frequencies [F(2,15) = 6.03, p = 0.012].Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that aerobic exercise is beneficial for improving the mental health of adults aged 60 years and older. The intervention effect can be achieved regardless of the type of subject and the duration of the intervention. Further, the present study indicates that low-frequency, long-term and regular aerobic exercise is more effective for older adults. Therefore, we recommend that older adults to exercise at a low frequency depending on their physical condition.

Author(s):  
Sansano-Nadal ◽  
Giné-Garriga ◽  
Brach ◽  
Wert ◽  
Jerez-Roig ◽  
...  

Exercise is a form of physical activity (PA). PA is an important marker of health and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the effect of exercise-based interventions on an at least six-month follow up PA measure, and to describe the specific strategies implemented during the intervention to strengthen the sustainability of PA in community-dwelling 65+ year-old adults. We registered and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42017070892) of randomized clinical trials (RCT). We searched three electronic databases during January 2018 to identify RCT assessing any type of exercise-based intervention. Studies had to report a pre-, post-, and at least 6-month post-intervention follow-up. To be included, at least one PA outcome had to be assessed. The effect of exercise-based interventions was assessed compared to active (e.g., a low-intensity type of exercise, such as stretching or toning activities) and non-active (e.g., usual care) control interventions at several time points. Secondary analyses were conducted, restricted to studies that reported specific strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. The intervention effect was measured on self-reported and objective measures of time spent in PA, by means of standardized mean differences. Standardized mean differences of PA level were pooled. Pooled estimates of effect were computed with the DerSimonian–Laird method, applying a random effects model. The risk of bias was also assessed. We included 12 studies, comparing 18 exercise intervention groups to four active and nine non-active control groups. Nine studies reported specific strategies to enhance the long-term sustainability of PA. The strategies were mostly related to the self-efficacy, self-control, and behavior capability principles based on the social cognitive theory. Exercise interventions compared to active control showed inconclusive and heterogeneous results. When compared to non-active control, exercise interventions improved PA time at the six-months follow up (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.30; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.44; four studies; 724 participants; I2 0%), but not at the one- or two-years follow-ups. No data were available on the mid- and long-term effect of adding strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. Exercise interventions have small clinical benefits on PA levels in community-dwelling older adults, with a decline in the observed improvement after six months of the intervention cessation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio García-Hermoso ◽  
Robinson Ramirez-Vélez ◽  
Mikel L. Sáez de Asteasu ◽  
Nicolás Martínez-Velilla ◽  
Fabricio Zambom-Ferraresi ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 458-459
Author(s):  
Sarah Aghjayan ◽  
Themistokles Bournias ◽  
Chelsea Stillman ◽  
Shannon Donofry ◽  
Anna Marsland ◽  
...  

Abstract The effect of aerobic exercise interventions on episodic memory performance among older adults without dementia remains a matter of intense debate. Prior meta-analyses examining this association have reported minimal improvements in episodic memory performance following exercise training but have also been plagued by several limitations, including restrictive inclusion criteria, combined sample populations, and infrequent examination of the effect of exercise parameters (e.g., volume). To address these gaps, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine if aerobic exercise interventions influence episodic memory performance in older adults without dementia and to examine potential moderators of these effects (e.g., sample and intervention characteristics). Included studies met the following criteria: (1)Studies of adults (M≥55 years) with normal cognition, subjective cognitive decline, or mild cognitive impairment; (2)Aerobic exercise RCTs; and (3)Assessment of episodic memory. Intervention effects were represented by Hedges’ g and combined into pooled effect sizes using random- and mixed-effects models. Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria, representing data from 2,488 participants. The primary analysis yielded a significant positive effect of aerobic exercise on episodic memory (Hedges’ g[CI]=0.28[0.10-0.47]; p=0.003). Mixed-effects analyses demonstrated a positive effect on episodic memory among studies with a high percentage of females (>66%), participants with normal cognition, studies reporting intensity, studies with a no-contact or nonaerobic physical activity control group, and studies prescribing 2,100–3,900 total minutes of activity (range 540–8,190 minutes). These results suggest that aerobic exercise may act as an accessible, non-pharmaceutical intervention to improve episodic memory in late adulthood before changes in cognition are detected.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 599-600
Author(s):  
Tracy Mitzner ◽  
Elena Remillard ◽  
Kara Cohen ◽  
Jordan Chen

Abstract Tele-technologies may be able to increase access to evidence-based exercise interventions for adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities. This population experiences substantial barriers in attending such programs in person, including lack of transportation to classes, inaccessible buildings where classes are held, and lack of appropriate modifications offered for this population of older adults. It is critical to overcome such barriers to ensure this population has an opportunity to receive the benefits of evidence-based programs. In this study we are translating an in-person evidence-based tai chi intervention, Tai Chi for Arthritis, to an online platform using videoconferencing software for those aging with long-term mobility disabilities. We will describe our approach of including users from the target population and industry representatives (videoconferencing software developer, Tai Chi for Arthritis program developer as well as local master trainer) in the adaptation of the intervention and present the key findings from doing so.


Author(s):  
Martin Færch Andersen ◽  
Julie Midtgaard ◽  
Eik Dybboe Bjerre

Men diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer experience severe adverse effects on quality of life (QoL) and metabolic health, some of which may be preventable or reversible with exercise, the benefits of which healthcare providers and patients increasingly acknowledge, though existing evidence on its effects varies in significance and magnitude. We aimed to review the effect of exercise on QoL and metabolic health in a broad prostate cancer population. A systematic search was conducted in nine databases and eligible trials were included in the meta-analytic procedure. All outcomes were stratified into aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and a combination of both. The review identified 33 randomised controlled trials (2567 participants) eligible for inclusion. Exercise had a borderline small positive effect on cancer-specific QoL (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.01–0.22), and a moderate to large effect on cardiovascular fitness (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI 0.34–0.59) with aerobic exercise being the superior modality (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI 0.29–0.90). A positive significant effect was seen in lower body strength, whole-body fat mass, general mental health, and blood pressure. No significant effect was seen in fatigue, lean body mass, and general physical health. We thereby conclude that exercise is effective in improving metabolic health in men diagnosed with prostate cancer, with aerobic exercise as the superior modality. The effect of exercise on QoL was small and not mediated by choice of exercise modality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Mallmann Schneider ◽  
Paula de Azevedo Frank ◽  
Sandra C. Fuchs ◽  
Rodrigo Ferrari

Background Combined resistance and aerobic training (CT) is the most suitable form of exercise training to simultaneously improve cardiometabolic profile and functional capacity in middle-aged and older adults. Recreational sports (RS) emerge as an alternative to traditional exercises to improve these outcomes that could be used as a retention and continuity strategy, promoting health benefits associated with pleasure and satisfaction during the physical activity. Objectives The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of RS and CT on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in middle-aged and older adults and to compare these exercise interventions to a non-exercising control group (CON). Data Sources A literature search was conducted using the databases at PubMed, COCHRANE and SciELO between July and August 2020. Study Eligibility Criteria Studies that included men and women aged 45 years, healthy or with values of baseline for SBP 130mmHg or DBP 80 mmHg or with type II diabetes, in which the participants performed RS or CT versus CON, and evaluated SBP, DBP and HbA1c. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods Two independent reviewers screened search results, performed data extraction, and assessed of methodological quality of studies. Random effects modeling was used to compare pre to postintervention changes in BP and HbA1c from RS and CT versus CON, and the effect size were calculated through the weighted mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Conclusions RS and CT are effective exercise interventions to improve blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, CT seems to be an excellent strategy to reduce HbA1c, and future studies are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of recreational sports to improve HbA1c.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S610-S610
Author(s):  
Amber Watts ◽  
Eric Vidoni ◽  
Jill Morris ◽  
Mark Perry ◽  
David Johnson ◽  
...  

Abstract Exercise is a promising strategy for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid neuroimaging can identify individuals at risk of developing AD prior to displaying symptoms. We screened adults (65+) with Florbetapir PET imaging and a comprehensive cognitive battery. We randomized 117 participants with normal cognition into a 52-week aerobic exercise program to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance. We compared an intensive exercise treatment group to a standard of care control group. Cognition was assessed at baseline, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks in the domains of verbal memory, visuospatial processing, attention, and executive function. Interim results on 87 participants show cardiorespiratory fitness improved in the exercise group vs. control group (t=3.66(81), p< .001). The degree of change in cardiorespiratory fitness did not differ between those with and without elevated amyloid (t=-0.37(81), p=.710). Greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness predicted better performance on cognitive tests including trailmaking test, Stroop test, and digit symbol substitution test, which did not differ by amyloid status. Elevated amyloid levels predicted lower cognitive scores in logical memory, space relations, and identical pictures test. Our findings suggest PET imaging is a valid marker of cognitive performance in non-impaired older adults, and that this pre-clinical amyloid status did not reduce the cognitive benefits of exercise for those who improved in cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise interventions hold promise for cognitive maintenance among pre-symptomatic older adults with elevated amyloid levels. Finally, results highlight the importance of evaluating multiple cognitive domains which are associated differently with exercise and amyloid status.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S473-S474
Author(s):  
Charlene H Chu ◽  
Renee Biss ◽  
Afroza Sultana ◽  
Amelie Gauthier-Beaupré ◽  
Arezoo Talebzadeh

Abstract Introduction: Institutionalized older adults have high-rates of mobility decline resulting in reduced quality of life and increased dependency. Given the ageing population, there has been a proliferation of exergaming technology targeting older adults to maintain their physical activity (PA) levels and prevent decline. However, it is unclear if exergaming is effective to maintain or improve the PA of institutionalized older adults. Method: Four databases (MEDLINE/CINAHL/PsycINFO/Compendex) were systematically searched (key terms like “nursing homes”, exergaming”). Quantitative manuscripts examining the effects of exergaming on PA measures of institutionalized older adults published in English between 2006-present were eligible. Virtual reality was excluded from the search. No meta-analysis was conducted due to hetereogeneity of the results. Results: 11 studies were included from a search that yielded 208 results. The exergaming platforms that were used the most were the Kinect and Wii. The most commonly used PA measures were the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed-up-and-Go (n=4 studies) with no other measures being used in more than one study. Interventions ranged in exercise (e.g. cognitive-motor training, strength training, balance, etc), frequency, duration, and modality. Study designs were also heterogeneous. Articles were of very poor to poor quality. There was minimal reporting on adverse events. Older adults with cognitive impairment were commonly excluded. Challenges in current technology and studying this group are highlighted. Conclusion: Exergaming may be promising to maintain PA but more robust research is needed. More exergaming technology designed for long-term care to meet the specific complex needs of this population is warranted.


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