Effect of combined aquatic and cognitive training on quality of life, fall self-efficacy, and motor performance in aged with varying cognitive status: a proof-of-concept study

Abstract

With the increasing number of aged individuals, research pertaining to their cognitive functions and physical-motor has become exponentially imperative. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect combined aquatic and cognitive training on quality of life (QoL), fall self-efficacy and motor performance (static and dynamic balance) in aged with varying cognitive status levels. Thirty participants were assigned to a high cognitive status group (n= 10), low cognitive status group (n= 10), or nonintervention control group (n = 10). Participants completed a 6-week motor-cognitive training regime with increasing intensity. QoL, fall self-efficacy, static balance, and dynamic balance were assessed. Preliminary results suggest proof-of-concept significant (P < 0.05) improvements were found in both the high and low cognitive status groups for static and dynamic balance and fall self-efficacy. However, QoL was only found to be significantly improved in the low cognitive status group. Aqua training along with cognitive training can effectively be used to prevent falls in the elderly and to improve their physical-motor performance. However, when attempting to improve QoL, the cognitive status of the individual should be considered.

Indicators of Quality of Life According to Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity and Cognition among Elderly People Attending Open Universities for the Elderly in Southern Brazil.

“…Matson et al (2019) report that seniors undergoing health reeducation (including physical activity) improved their self-efficacy, as well as their perception of quality of life. In the study by Nahand et al (2020), which undertook an intervention with exercises and cognitive training with elderly people, they found that quality of life can be improved in elderly people with low cognitive test scores.…”

“…Physical activity can also contribute to good perception of quality of life. This occurs due to the biopsychosocial aspect of this practice (Gomes et al, 2020), because it promotes increased mobility (Skwiot & Juskiewicz-Swaczyna, 2017), cognitive improvements (Nahand et al, 2020) and increased social interaction (Matson et al, 2019), especially in collective practices, resulting in their well-being and positive health conditions (Frandin et al, 2016).…”

“…Regarding cognition, the stimulation that occurs at Open Universities for the elderly combined with high education levels contributes directly to perception of quality of life (Kim et al, 2019). Staying cognitively active contributes to the elderly coexisting socially with other people (Gerino et al, 2017), problem solving (Nahand et al, 2020), promoting well-being (Yuan et al, 2021) and protective action against cognitive decline (Lin et al, 2020).…”