Nieuwhof, F. (Freek) (2010) Effects of an eight-week combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise intervention on cognition and physical functioning in institutionalized elderly with dementia. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
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Abstract
Background In cognitively non-impaired elderly, combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise is more beneficial to influence cognition than aerobic exercise only. Since such combined exercise programs were never investigated in elderly with dementia, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a combined exercise program in elderly with dementia. Method Eight institutionalized elderly with dementia were randomly allocated to either a combined exercise (CE, n=5) or a control (C, n=3) group. The CE group participated in 30 minute walking sessions three times a week and 30 minutes of lower limb strength training two times a week, with a total duration of eight weeks. The C group received social visits at the same frequency and duration. Tests for memory, executive functioning and physical functioning were administered. Results No significant effects of the combined exercise program were found on tests of memory and executive functioning. Non-significant large effect sizes were found on the key search test (Cohen's d=1.71), digit symbol test (d=2.19) and the Stroop test (d=1.30). On these tests the score of the CE group improved while the score of the C group decreased. On six meter walking speed a significant effect was found (d=.89, p=.048), the CE group walked faster after the intervention, while the C group walked slower. On leg strength (d=.83) and aerobic capacity (d=. 77) non-significant large and medium effect sizes were found. On both tests the performance of the CE group improved while the performance of the C group declined. No consistent correlations between changes in physical functioning and cognitive functioning were found. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that the combined exercise program may lead to positive effects on specific executive functions (strategy and planning, information processing speed and inhibition) but not on memory. Although leg strength and aerobic capacity improved, these physical factors do not seem to mediate effects on cognitive functioning. However, because of the small sample size, more research is needed for more reliable conclusions.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Heuvelen, Dr. M.J.G. van and Boersma, Dr. F. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2020 11:04 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2020 11:04 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2372 |
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