Effects of Cognitive Training and Physical Activity on Brain Health in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Claudine Legault, Janine M. Jennings, Jeffrey A. Katula, Dale Dagenbach, Sarah A. Gaussoin, Kaycee M. Sink, Stephen R. Rapp, W. Jack Rejeski, Sally A. Shumaker, Mark A. Espeland
Primary Institution: Wake Forest University
Hypothesis
Can cognitive training and physical activity improve cognitive outcomes in older adults at risk for cognitive decline?
Conclusion
The study found good levels of participation and retention in cognitive and physical training interventions, but no significant improvements in cognitive function were observed after four months.
Supporting Evidence
- Intervention attendance rates were higher in the cognitive training and combined intervention groups.
- Retention rates exceeded 90% across all groups.
- Four-month improvements in cognitive measures increased with age among participants assigned to physical activity training.
Takeaway
Older people can join programs to help their brain health, but just a few months of training might not show big changes in how well they think.
Methodology
The study was a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design involving cognitive training and physical activity interventions over four months.
Potential Biases
The nature of the control condition may have influenced outcomes.
Limitations
The pilot trial had a modest sample size and short follow-up, and participants were predominantly Caucasian with high education levels.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling individuals aged 70-85 years, predominantly Caucasian, with 51% women and 75% having some education beyond high school.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.004
Confidence Interval
[0.30, 0.99]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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