Physical activity and executive functions in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment

Authors:
SCHERDER E. J. A., et al
Journal article citation:
Aging and Mental Health, 9(3), May 2005, pp.272-280.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

This study aimed to examine whether in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the effect of physical activity measured directly following treatment, was reflected in an improvement in cognitive functioning in general or in executive functions (EF) in particular. The study also aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of intervention, with varying intensities: walking and hand/face exercises. Forty-three frail, advanced elderly subjects (mean age: 86) with MCI were randomly divided into three groups:  a walking group (n=15), a group performing hand and face exercises (n=13), and a control group (n=15). All subjects received individual treatment for 30-minutes a day, three times a week, for a period of six weeks. A neuropsychological test battery, administered directly after cessation of treatment, assessed cognitive functioning. The results show that although a (nearly) significant improvement in tasks appealing to EF was observed in both the walking group and the hand/face group compared to the control group, the results should be interpreted with caution. Firm conclusions about the effectiveness of mild physical activity on EF in the oldest old can only be drawn after studies with larger number of subjects.

Subject terms:
memory, older people, physical exercise, cognitive impairment;
Content type:
research
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1364-6915
ISSN print:
1360-7863

Key to icons

  • Free resource Free resource
  • Journal article Journal article
  • Book Book
  • Digital media Digital media
  • Journal Journal

Give us your feedback

Social Care Online continues to be developed in response to user feedback.

Contact us with your comments and for any problems using the website.

Sign up/login for more

Register/login to access resource links, advanced search and email alerts