The Effects of a Brief, Water-Based Exercise Intervention on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. Water-based exercise provides the same physiological benefits as land-based exercise with reduced risk of acute injury. The current study evaluated the effects of a brief, water-based exercise intervention on cognitive functioning and cardiovascular fitness in a group of community dwelling older adults. The exercise group (n = 27, M(age) = 63.26 ± 7.64, 78% female) attended one moderate intensity water aerobics class per day for six consecutive days whereas the control group (n = 33, M(age) = 65.67 ± 6.69, 75% female) continued their typical routine. Neuropsychological and cardiovascular fitness tests were given the week before and the week after the intervention to both groups. The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, as well as executive function, attention, and memory over controls. This suggests a brief exercise program can provide benefits for older adults.

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

“…The present study has several limitations that could affect ecological validity. In this regard, the small sample size, while similar to that of numerous previous studies (Fedor et al, 2015;Jung et al, 2014;Means and O Sullivan, 2000;Sato et al, 2015) serves as proof-of-concept evidence for the effect of the effect combined aquatic and cognitive training on quality of life, fall self-efficacy and motor performance (static and dynamic balance) in aged with varying cognitive status levels. In addition, several extraneous variables could affect quality of life, fall self-efficacy and motor performance (static and dynamic balance).…”

“…Problematically, while studies investigating the impact of aquatic exercise on cognition are scarce (Ayán et al, 2017), and no studies have been performed on a subgroup analysis of the effects of exercise interventions on different cognitive domains of the elderly (Zhou et al, 2018). In addition, since water-based exercise provides the same physiological benefits as land-based exercise with reduced risk of acute injury (Fedor et al, 2015), especially from falls, the present study novely attempted to determine if a multimodal therapy of aquatic exercise and cognitive training could improve on motor performance and quality of life in aged. Further, the present study uniquely attempted to determine if this multimodal therapy is more effective on those with low or high cognitive status in order to individualize and target program design.…”

Effects of two programmes of combined Land-Based and Water-Based exercise on the cognitive function and fitness levels of healthy older adults

“…Both papers were published after the present study was carried out. In this vein, Fedor 4 found that one week of water aerobics produced significant increases in the executive function, attention, and memory performance of community dwelling older adults. Similarly, Sato 17 observed that a weekly water-based exercise programme (including water cognitive tasks) for the duration of ten weeks, improved several cognitive functions, such as attention and memory in healthy elderly people.…”

“…For instance, swimming pool-based exercise stands as one of the most appealing options for the elderly. Nevertheless, very few research studies have endeavoured to pinpoint their effects on the cognitive functions of this population in particular 4 . In addition, very little is known about the influence training programmes that combine land-based and water-based exercises might have on the cognitive function of healthy older people 3 .…”

Aquatic Therapy in Contemporary Neurorehabilitation: An Update

“…The exercise group scored statistically higher (P < .05 or better) on cardiorespiratory fitness and batteries of executive function. 68 Cardiovascular fitness improved in the exercised group as well, surprising findings given the short 1-week treatment duration.…”