Abstract:Background
Extensive evidence supports a link between aerobic exercise and cognitive improvements in aging adults. A major limitation with existing research is the high variability in cognitive response to exercise. Our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that influence this variability and the low adherence to exercise are critical knowledge gaps and major barriers for the systematic implementation of exercise for promoting cognitive health in aging.
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“…2 , 8258 studies were identified from the databases and 17 were retrieved from other sources. Eleven studies were retrieved from websites (e.g., platforms such as ResearchGate), 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 and 6 more were retrieved via a search for further publications by specific authors. 51 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 Fig.…”
“…2 , 8258 studies were identified from the databases and 17 were retrieved from other sources. Eleven studies were retrieved from websites (e.g., platforms such as ResearchGate), 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 and 6 more were retrieved via a search for further publications by specific authors. 51 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 Fig.…”
“…This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03804528). The detailed study protocol and adaptation methods of measures and intervention has been previously published ( 30 ). In this study, the focus is on the primary measures of cognitive function, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise adherence.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Approximately halfway through enrollment, the protocol was adapted to accommodate public health restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the study was adapted to be home-based, with remotely delivered assessments and exercise, using standardized telehealth procedures, while maximizing the collection of outcome measures and aiming to match the dose and effort of the exercise intervention ( 30 ). Participants were sent a study kit, containing the necessary equipment for their assessments and exercise sessions.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…HRR measures were collected following an exercise test (in-person participants, the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test [ISWT] ( 34 , 35 ) and remote participants the 1-Min Sit-to-Stand Test [1-STS]), given that the study team decided it was not feasible to perform the ISWT remotely ( 36 ). Specific procedures of both tests are described in the published protocol ( 30 ). Prior to the test, participants were screened for signs and symptoms that would contraindicate exercise (e.g., dizziness, nausea, chest pain).…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Participants received a pre-planned routine of alternating body-weight exercises developed by the study team, which included exercises such as squats, marching in place, and wall push-ups, among others. Intervention details are provided in the published protocol ( 30 ). Participants were monitored utilizing the same methods and verbal prompts as the in-person participants, and were instructed to maintain the same levels of effort as during in-person participants (i.e., 55–64% during weeks 1–4 and 65–90% during weeks 5–8).…”
BackgroundWith our aging population, many individuals are at risk of developing age-related cognitive decline. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive performance in aging adults. This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary aging adults at risk for cognitive decline.MethodsFifty-two participants (age 62.9 ± 6.8, 76.9% female) engaged in eight weeks of moderate-to high-intensity exercise (19 in-person, 33 remotely). Global cognition was measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, and the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Fourth Edition. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured via heart rate recovery at minute 1 (HRR1) and 2 (HRR2), and exercise engagement (defined as percent of total exercise time spent in the prescribed heart rate zone). We measured pre and post changes using paired t-tests and mixed effects models, and investigated the association between cardiorespiratory and cognitive performance using multiple regression models. Cohen's d were calculated to estimate effect sizes.ResultsOverall, 63.4 % of participants demonstrated high engagement (≥ 70% total exercise time spent in the prescribed heart rate zone). There were significant pre-post improvements in verbal fluency and verbal memory, and a significant decrement in working memory, but these were associated with small effect sizes (Cohen's d <0.5). Concerning cardiorespiratory fitness, there was a pre-to-post significant improvement in HRR1 (p = 0.01, d = 0.30) and HRR2 (p < 0.001, d = 0.50). Multiple regressions revealed significant associations between cardiorespiratory and cognitive performance, but all were associated with small effect sizes (Cohen's d < 0.5). Interestingly, there were significant between-group differences in exercise engagement (all p < 0.001), with remote participants demonstrating greater exercise engagement than in-person participants.ConclusionImprovements in cognition and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed after 8 weeks of moderate to high-intensity exercise in aging adults. These results suggest that committing to a regular exercise regimen, even for a brief two-month period, can promote improvements in both cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance, and that improvements are driven by exercise engagement.
Regular exercise positively impacts neurocognitive health, particularly in aging individuals. However, low adherence, particularly among older adults, hinders the adoption of exercise routines. While brain plasticity mechanisms largely support the cognitive benefits of exercise, the link between physiological and behavioral factors influencing exercise adherence remains unclear. This study aimed to explore this association in sedentary middle‐aged and older adults. Thirty‐one participants underwent an evaluation of cortico‐motor plasticity using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure changes in motor‐evoked potentials following intermittent theta‐burst stimulation (iTBS). Health history, cardiorespiratory fitness, and exercise‐related behavioral factors were also assessed. The participants engaged in a 2‐month supervised aerobic exercise program, attending sessions three times a week for 60 min each, totaling 24 sessions at a moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity. They were divided into Completers (n = 19), who attended all sessions, and Dropouts (n = 12), who withdrew early. Completers exhibited lower smoking rates, exercise barriers, and resting heart rates compared to Dropouts. For Completers, TMS/iTBS cortico‐motor plasticity was associated with better exercise adherence (r = −.53, corrected p = .019). Exploratory hypothesis‐generating regression analysis suggested that post‐iTBS changes (β = −7.78, p = .013) and self‐efficacy (β = −.51, p = .019) may predict exercise adherence (adjusted‐R2 = .44). In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of TMS/iTBS cortico‐motor plasticity, self‐efficacy, and cardiovascular health in exercise adherence. Given the well‐established cognitive benefits of exercise, addressing sedentary behavior and enhancing self‐efficacy are crucial for promoting adherence and optimizing brain health. Clinicians and researchers should prioritize assessing these variables to improve the effectiveness of exercise programs.
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