Brain gym exercises versus standard exercises for institutionalised older people with cognitive impairment: A randomised controlled study

Abstract

Background. This study compared the effects of Brain Gym (BG) exercises versus standard exercise (SE) on cognitive function, functional independence, physical fitness, and quality of life among institutionalised older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods. Institutionalised older adults with cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to either SE group or BG group. Participants performed two 1-hour sessions per week for 10 weeks. Cognitive function, functional independence, fitness level, and quality of life (QoL) of participants were assessed. Results: A total of 55 participants were assigned to the SE group (n=19) or the BG group (n=36). Of them, 17 in the SE group and 33 in the BG group completed >80% of the sessions. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. Participants in both BG and SE groups had a slight decline in cognitive function, functional independence, and physical-related QoL, as well as minor improvement in fitness level and mental-related QoL. The effects produced by either programme was similar (F1,76 =0.063-1.986, p=0.163). Both programmes had similar effects on participants, and neither the level of cognitive impairment nor the programme had any significant effect. Conclusions. BG and SE have similar effects on cognitive function, functional independence, QoL, and fitness levels among institutionalised older adults with cognitive impairment.