Exergaming improves functional fitness in MCI patients. Does the APOE genotype moderate the outcome?

Abstract

Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment could be defined as the condition between healthy aging and dementia. MCI patients seem to retain the neuroplasticity to benefit from Physical Exercise (PE) interventions delaying the progression to dementia. The present study investigates the impact of PE via “Exergaming” on the functional fitness of MCI adults, depending on the presence of the APOEɛ4 allele. Methods: 159 MCI participants were recruited. They were separated to two groups (performing PE or not). The Fullerton Functional Test was used as a primary outcome measure in two-time points (prior to and after PE). Results: The Active group showed more considerable improvement compared to the Passive group in all Fullerton components despite the presence of APOEε4. Discussion: ΡΕ via exergaming has a beneficial functional effect in MCI patients, whether carrying the APOEɛ4 allele or not.