Gerhild Ullmann1, Yuhua Li2, Meredith A Ray3, Shirleatha T Lee4. 1. Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. ullmann1@memphis.edu. 2. Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences, School of Health Studies, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. 3. Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. 4. Mary Black School of Nursing, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Decline in cognitive function associated with aging is one of the greatest concerns of older adults and often leads to a significant burden for individuals, families, and the health care system. Executive functions are most susceptible to age-related decline. Despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise on cognitive health, older adults tend to be less physically active than other age groups. Thus, there is a need to identify strategies that attract older adults and can enhance cognitive vitality. AIMS: This article describes the protocol of a study designed to evaluate whether two interventions, a pure physical exercise and a mind-body exercise, can improve cognitive executive function in independent-living older adults. In addition, the study will explore barriers/facilitators related to adherence. METHODS: After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups (strength training, Awareness Through Movement®, or a control group). Participants of the two active groups will attend the interventions for 12 weeks. The control group continues with the usual everyday life. Assessments will include three measures of executive function of the NIH Toolbox, and are administered at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes are the changes in cognitive executive function performances. Secondary outcomes include adherence, self-efficacy for exercise, symptoms of depression, mindfulness and enjoyment. Attendance will be used as a measure of adherence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: If successful, the interventions could provide low-cost strategies for older adults to maintain cognitive vitality and has the potential to impact current exercise guidelines.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Decline in cognitive function associated with aging is one of the greatest concerns of older adults and often leads to a significant burden for individuals, families, and the health care system. Executive functions are most susceptible to age-related decline. Despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise on cognitive health, older adults tend to be less physically active than other age groups. Thus, there is a need to identify strategies that attract older adults and can enhance cognitive vitality. AIMS: This article describes the protocol of a study designed to evaluate whether two interventions, a pure physical exercise and a mind-body exercise, can improve cognitive executive function in independent-living older adults. In addition, the study will explore barriers/facilitators related to adherence. METHODS: After baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups (strength training, Awareness Through Movement®, or a control group). Participants of the two active groups will attend the interventions for 12 weeks. The control group continues with the usual everyday life. Assessments will include three measures of executive function of the NIH Toolbox, and are administered at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes are the changes in cognitive executive function performances. Secondary outcomes include adherence, self-efficacy for exercise, symptoms of depression, mindfulness and enjoyment. Attendance will be used as a measure of adherence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: If successful, the interventions could provide low-cost strategies for older adults to maintain cognitive vitality and has the potential to impact current exercise guidelines.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aging; Awareness through movement®; Cognition; Feldenkrais Method®; Mindfulness; Strength training
Authors: Michael D Hurd; Paco Martorell; Adeline Delavande; Kathleen J Mullen; Kenneth M Langa Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2013-04-04 Impact factor: 91.245