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Effects of 5 Years Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Older Adults: The Generation 100 Study: A Randomized Controlled
Ekaterina Zotcheva1, Asta Kristine Håberg2,3, Ulrik Wisløff4,5
1Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Post Box 8905, 7491, Trondheim, Norway.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate whether a 5-year exercise intervention and change in peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) is associated with cognitive function in older adults.
Methods:
Nine hundred and forty-five participants (48% women, mean age at study end 78.2 ± 2.02 years) from the Generation 100 Study were randomized 2:1:1 to a control group, moderate-intensity continuous training or high-intensity interval training twice weekly for 5 years. Peak oxygen uptake was measured using ergospirometry at baseline and after 5 years. Global cognition and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA) after 5 years.
Results:
Compared to the control group, the combined moderate-intensity continuous training plus high-intensity interval training (ExComb) group did not have significantly different cognitive scores (beta value 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.17, 0.69) or odds of MCI (odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.66, 1.13). Men in the ExComb group had 0.80 points higher MoCA (95% CI 0.21, 1.40) and 32% lower odds of MCI compared with male controls (95% CI 0.47, 0.99), with no such findings in women. In the total sample, each 1 metabolic equivalent of task increase in [Formula: see text] corresponded to 0.46 points higher MoCA (95% CI 0.25, 0.67) and 27% lower odds of MCI (95% CI 0.63, 0.85). Compared to [Formula: see text] stable, participants whose [Formula: see text] increased did not have significantly different cognitive scores (beta value 0.24, CI - 0.68, 1.15) or odds of MCI (odds ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.36, 1.34), whereas participants whose [Formula: see text] decreased had 0.64 points lower MoCA (95% CI - 1.15, - 0.14) and 35% higher odds of MCI (95% CI 0.98, 1.87).
Conclusions:
Overall, exercise was not significantly associated with cognition among older adults. However, maintaining or increasing [Formula: see text] appeared to benefit cognition.
Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01666340.
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Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes