Investigating Within-Person Mediation of Gait-Cognition Associations in a Walking Intervention for Older Adults
2024
Walking Intervention and Cognitive Health in Older Adults
Sample size: 118
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Tamburri Nicholas, McDowell Cynthia, Hundza Sandra, MacDonald Stuart
Primary Institution: University of Victoria
Hypothesis
Increases in gait velocity are associated with improvements in cognitive function through aerobic capacity.
Conclusion
The study found that improving gait speed through walking can enhance cognitive performance in older adults by increasing aerobic capacity.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved 118 older adults participating in a walking intervention.
- Gait velocity was measured using a specialized walkway system.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Groton Maze Learning Test.
- Aerobic capacity was estimated from a 1-Mile Walk Test.
Takeaway
If older people walk more, they can think better because walking helps their bodies get stronger.
Methodology
The study used a longitudinal design with repeated measures to assess gait and cognitive function at multiple time points.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 65-87 years, initially sedentary.
Statistical Information
P-Value
-0.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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