Moderate exercise improves cognitive function in healthy elderly people: results of a randomized controlled trial

Carta M. G.;Cossu G.;Pintus E.;Zaccheddu R.;Callia O.;Conti G.;Pintus M.;Aviles Gonzalez Cesar Ivan;Massidda M. V.;Mura G.;Sardu C.;Contu P.;Minerba L.;Demontis R.;Pau M.;Finco G.;Cocco E.;Penna M. P.;Orr G.;Kalcev G.;Cabras F.;Lorrai S.;Loviselli A.;Velluzzi F.;Monticone M.;Cacace E.;Musu M.;Rongioletti F.;Cauli A.;Ruggiero V.;Scano A.;Crisafulli A.;Cosentino S.;Atzori L.;Massa E.;Mela Q.;Fortin D.;Migliaccio G.;Machado S.;Romano F.;Preti A.

2021-01-01

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Abstract

Abstract:.Background: Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment. Objective: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance. Design: RCT with parallel and balanced large groups. Setting: Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms. Subjects: People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity. Methods: Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of “life movements”, strength and balance. The primary outcome was: Any change in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its subscales. Results: At the end of the trial, 52 people completed the active intervention, and 53 people completed the control condition. People in the active intervention improved on the ACE-R (ANOVA: F(1;102)=4.32, p=0.040), and also showed better performances on the memory (F(1;102)=5.40 p=0.022) and visual-space skills subscales of the ACE-R (F(1;102)=4.09 p=0.046). Conclusion: A moderate-intensity exercise administered for a relatively short period of 12 weeks is capable of improving cognitive performance in a sample of elderly people who live independently in their homes.