The effects of a brief, water-based exercise intervention on cognitive function in older adults

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. Water-based exercise provides the same physiological benefits as land-based exercise with reduced risk of acute injury. The current study evaluated the effects of a brief, water-based exercise intervention on cognitive functioning and cardiovascular fitness in a group of community dwelling older adults. The exercise group (n = 27, M(age) = 63.26 ± 7.64, 78% female) attended one moderate intensity water aerobics class per day for six consecutive days whereas the control group (n = 33, M(age) = 65.67 ± 6.69, 75% female) continued their typical routine. Neuropsychological and cardiovascular fitness tests were given the week before and the week after the intervention to both groups. The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness, as well as executive function, attention, and memory over controls. This suggests a brief exercise program can provide benefits for older adults.

Keywords: Executive function; Exercise; Mild cognitive impairment; Older adults.