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The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 17244

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. José Francisco Filipe Marmeleira

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Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Department of Sport and Health, School of Health and Human Development, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Interests: physical exercise; motor fitness; ageing; adapted physical activity; embodiment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Armando de Mendoça Raimundo

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Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Department of Sport and Health, School of Health and Human Development, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
Interests: body composition; physical activity; exercise; health; ageing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jesús del Pozo-Cruz

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Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Seville, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: physical activity; exercise and health; examining objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels and it’s relationship with different health outcomes and biological markers across lifespan; developing pedometer-based strategies to help modify behaviours towards physical activity and an active lifestyle in clinical populations and to explore the effects of such interventions on the health of the individuals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing proportion and longevity of older adults is a global phenomenon, as recognized by the United Nations (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2019). In this context, a significant challenge in the years to come is to provide appropriate conditions and services for older adults to live a long and healthy life. Physical activity and exercise are essential strategies for helping people cope with the functional and health challenges associated with advanced age. Both motor skills and motor fitness could benefit from active physical lifestyles and regular engagement in exercise. This is particularly relevant for older adults, as they tend to experience mobility problems, a higher risk of falls and a decline in the performance of daily living activities. Besides, cognitive functioning also undergoes detrimental changes during ageing, affecting older adults' functional status and quality of life. In this regard, in recent years there has been growing interest about the impact of exercise on cognition and brain health, including on the underlying mechanisms. For this Special Issue, authors are invited to submit original studies or review recent work on the benefits of physical activity and exercise on motor and/or cognitive functioning and related aspects in both healthy ageing and age-related pathological conditions. Some subareas of interest include mode of exercise (e.g., multicomponent/multimodal and mind–body exercise), motor skills, motor assessment, activities of daily living, cognition, neuroplasticity, institutionalization and feasibility. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. José Francisco Filipe Marmeleira
Prof. Dr. Armando de Mendoça Raimundo
Prof. Dr. Jesús del Pozo-Cruz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical exercise
mind-body exercise
elderly
motor fitness
balance
mobility
agility
dual-task training
cognition
processing speed
executive function
brain health

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Augmented Reality Exergames versus Cycle Ergometer on Reaction Time, Visual Attention, and Verbal Fluency in Community Older Adults

by Soraia Ferreira, José Marmeleira, Jesus del Pozo-Cruz, Alexandre Bernardino, Nilton Leite, Mafalda Brandão and Armando Raimundo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14667; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192214667 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the acute effects of an augmented reality session and a cycle ergometer session compared to no exercise on the reaction times, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency of older adults. Methods: Each participant did a familiarization with cognitive tests and the following three sessions: cycle ergometer, no exercise (control group), and augmented reality exergame (Portable Exergame Platform for Elderly) sessions. The participants were randomized in a within-group design into one of six possible combinations. Each moment had a 30 min duration, and after the session, the participants performed a Trail Making Test, a verbal fluency test, and a Deary–Liewald reaction time task. The data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni adjustment. Results: The analysis between the no exercise, cycle ergometer, and augmented reality sessions showed no significant differences in the cognitive measurements. Conclusions: One session of the cycle ergometer exercise or the augmented reality exergames does not acutely improve the reaction times, cognitive flexibility, or verbal fluency in the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

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9 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phase Angle as a Predictor for Physical Function in Institutionalized Independent Older Adults

by Ana Morais, Soraia Ferreira, Alexandre Duarte Martins, Pablo Tomas-Carus, José Marmeleira and Jose A. Parraca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14615; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192114615 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and physical function in institutionalized, independent older adults. Physical function was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test Battery. PhA was measured by electrical bioimpedance at 50 khz, and body composition parameters were also registered. Results showed that PhA significantly correlated with all physical fitness tests, except for arm curls. Regarding the results of the multivariate analysis, three models were created: Model 1, formed by a dependent variable “PhA” and two predictor variables “8 ft up-and-go” and “6 min walk”; Model 2, formed by a dependent variable “PhA” and three predictor variables “8 ft up-and-go”, “6 min walk” and “30-s chair stand”; and Model 3, formed by a dependent variable “PhA” and four predictor variables “8 ft up-and-go”, “6 min walk”, “30-s chair stand” and “arm curl”. Results showed that predictor variables had a significant influence on the PhA for all three models (Model 1: p = 0.001, 12.5%; Model 2: p = 0.002, 12.9%; and Model 3: p = 0.005, 13.1%). For women, Model 1 showed a significant influence of predictor variables on the PhA (p = 0.030, 9.3%). The results for men in Models 1, 2 and 3 showed significant influences on the PhA (p = 0.002, 31.2%; p = 0.006, 31.6%; and p = 0.016, 31.6%; respectively). This study confirmed previous studies regarding to the relationship between PhA and physical function. It also indicates that PhA could be an excellent predictor of physical function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

17 pages, 387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life, Physical Exercise, and General Health among Older People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Interview Study

by Nilton João Chantre Leite, Armando Manuel Mendonça Raimundo, Romeu Duarte Carneiro Mendes and José Francisco Filipe Marmeleira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3986; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19073986 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2960

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant alterations to and implications for the lives of millions of people, and especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) throughout the first 9 months of the pandemic, with emphasis on the habits of physical exercise. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The data consist of telephone interviews of seventeen older people with T2DM (10 women and 7 men, aged 62–76 years). Using thematic analysis, five themes were generated: (1) an altered social and relational life; (2) changes in routine and attitude regarding physical activity behaviour; (3) home-related activities gained relevance; (4) health and well-being impact and management; and (5) thoughts about the post-pandemic period. The increase in the number of cases and the fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 limited the social (i.e., contact with family and/or friends) and functional (i.e., daily routine, the habit of exercising) lives of these people, reverberating negatively on their health and well-being. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety were common. The findings of this study help to better understand the impact of the pandemic and determine areas of need for future interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to provide support for older people with T2DM and tackle the negative effect of the pandemic, including the reduction in physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

11 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptability and Preliminary Results of Technology-Assisted Balance Training in Parkinson’s Disease

by Elvira Maranesi, Valentina Di Donna, Giuseppe Pelliccioni, Valentina Cameriere, Elisa Casoni, Renato Baldoni, Marco Benadduci, Nadia Rinaldi, Lorenzo Fantechi, Cinzia Giammarchi, Riccardo Luzi, Paolo Pelliccioni, Mirko Di Rosa, Pietro Scendoni, Giovanni Renato Riccardi and Roberta Bevilacqua

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2655; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052655 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2157

Abstract

(1) Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is one of the most common causes of disability among older individuals. The advanced stages of PD are usually characterized by postural instability and, as a consequence, falls. Those are among the main factors that determine the quality of life, as well as the morbidity and mortality of a person with PD. In the field of PD rehabilitation, robotics is also rapidly gaining ground. As a primary aim, we evaluate the acceptability of the technology integrated intervention, using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), in order to analyze the attitude of the participants towards the Tymo^® system. As a secondary outcome, we assess the result of the rehabilitation treatment integrated with the Tymo^® system on several patient’s features. (2) Methods: We studied a population of 16 patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Each recruited subject completed 10 treatment sessions, organized as two training sessions per week, for 5 weeks. The intervention included 30 min of traditional therapy and 20 min of technological treatment with a robotic system. PIADS is composed of three subscales (Competence subscale, Adaptability subscale, Self-esteem subscale) ranging from −3 to +3, reflecting, respectively, a negative or positive feeling towards the device. (3) Results: The Competence subscale, measuring feelings of competence and usefulness, obtained a score of 1.24 (SD = 0.78). The score of Adaptability subscale, indicating a willingness to try out new things and to take risks, was 1.83 (SD = 0.65). Finally, the Self-esteem subscale, indicating feelings of emotional health and happiness, reached a score of 1.31 (SD = 0.72). Moreover, statistical analysis reveals a significant effect on balance performance after intervention. (4) Conclusions: This feasibility study represents a starting point in the use of technology in the rehabilitation pathway of patients affected by Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, our results suggest that a standard therapy combined with an innovative treatment using Tymo^® may be accepted by PD patients, which may benefit especially from preserving balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

12 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Level Following Resistance Training in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Receiving Home Care: Results from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

by Hilde Bremseth Bårdstu, Vidar Andersen, Marius Steiro Fimland, Lene Aasdahl, Hilde Lohne-Seiler and Atle Hole Saeterbakken

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6682; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136682 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2287

Abstract

Older adults’ physical activity (PA) is low. We examined whether eight months of resistance training increased PA level in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care. A two-armed cluster-randomized trial using parallel groups was conducted. The included participants were >70 years and received home care. The resistance training group performed resistance training using body weight, elastic bands, and water canes twice per week for eight months. The control group was informed about the national PA guidelines and received motivational talks. The ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to estimate PA. Outcomes included total PA (counts per minute), sedentary behavior (min/day), light PA (min/day), moderate-to-vigorous PA (min/day), and steps (mean/day). Between-group differences were analyzed using multilevel linear mixed models. Twelve clusters were randomized to either resistance training (7 clusters, 60 participants) or the control group (5 clusters, 44 participants). A total of 101 participants (median age 86.0 (interquartile range 80–90) years) had valid accelerometer data and were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant between-group differences for any of the PA outcomes after four or eight months. This study offers no evidence of increased PA level following resistance training in older adults with home care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

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Review

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16 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rhythmic Physical Activity and Global Cognition in Older Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

by Gloria Cecilia Vega-Ávila, Diego Fernando Afanador-Restrepo, Yulieth Rivas-Campo, Patricia Alexandra García-Garro, Fidel Hita-Contreras, María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile, Yolanda Castellote-Caballero and Agustín Aibar-Almazán

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912230 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2437

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that rhythmic physical activity (PA) improves cognitive function in both persons with normal brain aging and with cognitive impairment. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of rhythmic PA over global cognition in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment. Different keywords related to the topic and Boolean operators were used in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 11 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed; all of them assessed global cognition using either the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Five studies showed beneficial effects over global cognition. All studies had at least one experimental group with rhythmic training, and the interventions evidenced a great diversity of rhythmic stimuli, as well as a varied frequency, duration and type of activities. The heterogeneity of the protocols could be the reason for the mixed findings. Future studies with more precise exercise prescriptions are needed to establish whether rhythmic PA has beneficial effects on global cognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

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Other

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29 pages, 1101 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Physical and Motor Fitness Tests for Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review

by Luis Galhardas, Armando Raimundo, Jesús Del Pozo-Cruz and José Marmeleira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5058; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095058 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3301

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to identify the physical/motor fitness tests for nursing home residents and to examine their psychometric properties. Electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 2005 and October 2021 using MeSh terms and relevant keywords. Of the total of 4196 studies identified, 3914 were excluded based on title, abstracts, or because they were duplicates. The remaining 282 studies were full-text analyzed, and 41 were excluded, resulting in 241 studies included in the review. The most common physical component assessed was muscle strength; 174 (72.2%) studies assessed this component. Balance (138 studies, 57.3%) and agility (102 studies, 42.3%) were the second and third components, respectively, most widely assessed. In this review, we also describe the most used assessment tests for each physical/motor component. Some potentially relevant components such as manual dexterity and proprioception have been little considered. There are few studies assessing the psychometric properties of the tests for nursing home residents, although the data show that, in general, they are reliable. This review provides valuable information to researchers and health-care professionals regarding the physical/motor tests used in nursing home residences, helping them select the screening tools that could most closely fit their study objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise in Motor and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults)

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