The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of water-based exercise and water-based exercise combined with cognitive training on global cognition in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.
Thirty-six elderly aged 65 years and older with mild cognitive impairment were participated in the study; a water-based exercise group (W group; n=17) and a water-based exercise combined with cognitive training group (W-COG group; n=19). Both groups were exercising with moderate intensity (60-70% of Heart Rate Maximum) in water for 60 min., 3 d/wk. for 12 weeks. The W-COG group received cognitive training simultaneously with exercise in water. The global cognition was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. The two-ways mixed analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences of cognitive scores both within and between groups.
After 12 weeks of intervention, the MoCA score increased from 21.88 ± 1.79 to 26.25 ± 2.46 in the W group (p 0.001) and 22.37 ± 1.16 to 27.32 ± 2.08 in the W-COG group (p 0.001). This suggested the improvement of cognitive function within both groups. There were no significant differences in cognitive changes between the two groups.
Both water-based exercise interventions have the potential to enhance cognitive function and restore global cognition in the elderly with MCI.
The findings of this study suggested that water-based exercise interventions with or without cognitive training may serve as clinical strategies for healthcare professionals specializing in geriatric care, particularly in the context of promoting global cognition among elderly with MCI.
Water-based exercise
Cognition
