Erik Scherder1, Rogier Scherder2, Lot Verburgh2, Marsh Königs2, Marco Blom3, Arthur F Kramer4, Laura Eggermont2. 1. Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: e.j.a.scherder@vu.nl. 2. Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present meta-analysis was to address studies that examined the relationship between walking as one of the most prevalent types of leisure-time activity and executive function being a higher-order cognitive function essential for independent functioning. METHODS: The following data sources were used: English-language publications in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cinahl, and Cochrane; the last search took place in January 2012. From these data sources, only randomized controlled trials including older people with (N = 3) and without (N = 5) cognitive impairment were selected. RESULTS: Walking has been shown to improve set-shifting and inhibition in sedentary older persons without cognitive impairment (d = 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.55; z = 3.56; p <0.0001). In older persons with cognitive impairment, walking did not show improvements in executive functioning (d = 0.14; 95% confidence interval: -0.36-0.64; z = 0.35; p = 0.56). CONCLUSION: This finding is clinically relevant because participation in a walking program may prevent or postpone a (further) decline in executive function in those who are sedentary.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present meta-analysis was to address studies that examined the relationship between walking as one of the most prevalent types of leisure-time activity and executive function being a higher-order cognitive function essential for independent functioning. METHODS: The following data sources were used: English-language publications in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cinahl, and Cochrane; the last search took place in January 2012. From these data sources, only randomized controlled trials including older people with (N = 3) and without (N = 5) cognitive impairment were selected. RESULTS: Walking has been shown to improve set-shifting and inhibition in sedentary older persons without cognitive impairment (d = 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.55; z = 3.56; p <0.0001). In older persons with cognitive impairment, walking did not show improvements in executive functioning (d = 0.14; 95% confidence interval: -0.36-0.64; z = 0.35; p = 0.56). CONCLUSION: This finding is clinically relevant because participation in a walking program may prevent or postpone a (further) decline in executive function in those who are sedentary.
Authors: Lissette M Piedra; Flavia C D Andrade; Rosalba Hernandez; Seth William Boughton; Laura Trejo; Catherine A Sarkisian Journal: Gerontologist Date: 2017-11-10
Authors: Marinda Henskens; Ilse M Nauta; Marieke C A van Eekeren; Erik J A Scherder Journal: Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Date: 2018-08-24 Impact factor: 2.959