Physical exercise as an intervention in women with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Numerous studies have found that people who are physically active seem less likely than sedentary persons to experience cognitive decline and dementia in later life. However, several methodological issues need to be addressed and future research should include more representative samples, longer interventions and evaluate the intervention effect after the treatment. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether a physical activity exercise intervention reduces the rate of cognitive decline among older women diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment Clock Drawing Test (CDT). The study was based on a pre and post test design using The Fullerton's Functional Fitness Test. This battery measures a variety of physiological parameters. Participants were recruited by a randomized sampling method. Fifteen women aged 55-80 years old (70.37.03), diagnosed with MCI, volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were randomized into 2 groups and completed a 12-weeks training period. The Experimental group (E) received physical training whereas the Control group (C) did not. Both groups followed the cognitive intervention program. Strong correlations in experimental group were found between CDT and chair sit & reach before (p<0.024, r=0.87), and after the intervention (p<0.023, r=0.87) and between CDT and 8-foot Up&Go (p<0.02, r=-0.88) before and after the intervention (p<0.01, r=-0.89). There were significant negative correlations in the control group before and after the intervention between MMS E and 8-foot Up& Go (p<0.02, r=-0.88 and p<0.004, r=-0.95, respectively). Moreover, a strong correlation between CDT after the intervention and chair sit & reach (p<0.006, r=0.94) and arm curl (p<0.02, r=0.88) was found. In this study of older women with MCI, a 12-weeks physical exercise program combined with a cognitive program provided an improvement in physical status and a cognitive stability. However, due to the limitations of the study, present findings must be interpreted with great caution. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR