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Balance training improves memory and spatial cognition in healthy adults
Ann-Kathrin Rogge1, Brigitte Röder2, Astrid Zech3
1Universität Hamburg, Department of Biological Psychology & Neuropsychology, Hamburg, Germany. ann-kathrin.rogge@uni-hamburg.de.
Scientific Reports
|July 20, 2017
Summary
Demanding balance training significantly improved memory and spatial cognition in healthy adults. This suggests that improved cognitive function from exercise does not require increased cardiorespiratory fitness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Physical exercise is known to enhance cognitive functions.
- The specific types of exercise that benefit cognition remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a demanding balance training program improves memory and spatial cognition.
- To determine if cardiorespiratory fitness is a necessary factor for exercise-induced cognitive benefits.
Main Methods:
- Forty healthy adults (19-65 years) were randomized into balance or relaxation training groups.
- Interventions lasted 12 weeks, with exercise twice weekly.
- Cognitive functions, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The balance group showed significant improvements in balance performance.
- Memory and spatial cognition were significantly enhanced in the balance group.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions did not show significant changes in either group.
Conclusions:
- Balance training can specifically improve memory and spatial cognition.
- Enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness is not essential for exercise-related cognitive improvements.
- Vestibular system stimulation during balance training may influence the hippocampus and parietal cortex.
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