Enhancing Global Cognition and Executive Functions Through Water-Based Exercise in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) presents a risk for dementia, necessitating interventions to preserve cognitive function.
• While land-based exercise aids cognition, combining physical and cognitive training may yield superior results.
• Water-based exercise offers a low-impact, joint-friendly alternative for physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of water-based exercise, with and without cognitive training, on cognitive function in older adults diagnosed with MCI.
• To compare the efficacy of isolated water-based exercise versus a combined water-based exercise and cognitive training program.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven participants (aged 65+) with MCI were randomized into two groups: water-based exercise (W) or water-based exercise plus cognitive training (W-COG).
• Both groups engaged in 60-minute water-based aerobic sessions, three times weekly for 12 weeks.
• Cognitive assessments were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in global cognition and visuospatial abilities.
• The W-COG group showed a higher percentage of cognitive improvement (89%) compared to the W group (77.77%).
• Cognitive flexibility and shifting abilities improved significantly only in the W-COG group.

Conclusions:

• Water-based exercise alone can enhance cognitive function in individuals with MCI.
• Combining water-based exercise with cognitive training provides more substantial cognitive benefits, particularly in executive functions like flexibility and shifting.
• This integrated approach holds promise for mitigating cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.