Effects of a group using digital technologies and physical activity on cognition and health of the elderly

Abstract

Aim: to estimate the effects of a group using digital technologies and physical activity on cognitive function and health variables in the elderly. Methods: intervention research with 29 elderly men (n=7) and women (n=22), all from the University of Cruz Alta community. The intervention consisted of a Program to use digital technologies and practice physical activity (walking). It had weekly meetings (total of 16 meetings) of approximately 90 minutes, first using digital technologies – computers and internet (approximately 60 minutes) and then walking (30 minutes). Cognitive function was measured by the Mini Mental State Examination. Sex, age, marital status, education, disease diagnosis, vision problems, medication, use of tobacco and alcohol and functional capacity were also collected through a questionnaire. The Body Mass Index was also checked. Participants were assessed before and after the program. The data were analyzed by paired Student’s t-test with a 5% probability. Results: it was evident that the proposed program improved cardiorespiratory fitness (519.14 pre-test - 583.86 post-test, p = 0.005) and cognitive ability (25.90 pre-test - 26.21 post-test, p> 0.001) of participants, in addition to influencing the cessation of tobacco use (20.7%). Conclusion: these results show the importance of programs aimed at the cognitive improvement of elderly people, and health variables, considering that these can and should be inserted in health care settings.