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Aerobic fitness and multidomain cognitive function in advanced age

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2010

Yael Netz ,
Tzvi Dwolatzky ,
Yael Zinker ,
Esther Argov  and
Ruth Agmon
Yael Netz*
Affiliation:
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel
Tzvi Dwolatzky
Affiliation:
Department of Geriatrics and Memory Clinic, Mental Health Center, Beer Sheva, Israel Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
Yael Zinker
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
Esther Argov
Affiliation:
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel
Ruth Agmon
Affiliation:
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Yael Netz, PhD, School of Physical Education, The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute 42902, Israel. Phone: +972-9-8639-362; Fax: +972-9-8650-960. Email: neyael@wincol.ac.il.
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Abstract

Background: Studies generally describe the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function by measuring only one or two specific cognitive tasks. In addition, in spite of the significant increase in life expectancy, the age of participants in these studies does not extend beyond a mean age of 70 years. This study was thus designed to examine the relationship between physical fitness and function in multiple cognitive domains in subjects older than those previously reported.

Methods: Thirty-eight individuals, aged 65.3 to 85.3 years, performed a graded, progressive, maximal exercise test. Based on a median score of peak VO2, participants were divided into low-fitness and moderately-fit groups. Cognitive function was assessed by means of a computerized neuropsychological battery.

Results: The moderately-fit group achieved significantly better scores on the global cognitive score (U = 97, p = 0.04), and a significant correlation was found between peak VO2 and attention, executive function, and global cognitive score (rs = .37, .39, .38 respectively). The trend for superior cognitive scores in the moderate-fitness compared to the low-fitness groups was unequivocal, both in terms of accuracy and reaction time.

Conclusion: Maintenance of higher levels of cardiovascular fitness may help protect against cognitive deterioration, even at an advanced age. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial should be performed to further evaluate this hypothesis.

Keywords

predicted peak VO2neuropsychological testingphysical activityglobal cognitive functionold age
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , February 2011 , pp. 114 - 124
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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