title: The effects of a brief, water-based exercise intervention on cognitive function in older adults.
abstract: Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. Water-based exercise provides the same physiological benefits as land-based exercise with reduced risk of acute injury. The current study evaluated the effects of a brief, water-based exercise intervention on cognitive functioning and cardiovascular fitness in a group of community dwelling older adults. The exercise group (n = 27, M(age) = 63.26 ± 7.64, 78% female) attended one moderate intensity water aerobics class per day for six consecutive days whereas the control group (n = 33, M(age) = 65.67 ± 6.69, 75% female) continued their typical routine. Neuropsychological and cardiovascular fitness tests were given the week before and the week after the intervention to both groups. The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, as well as executive function, attention, and memory over controls. This suggests a brief exercise program can provide benefits for older adults.
authors: Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA afedor1@kent.edu.
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Fedor
authors: Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Garcia
authors: Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Gunstad
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010809:Physical Fitness; D057566:Self Report; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: Executive function; Exercise; Mild cognitive impairment; Older adults