Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Effects of Prior Exercise Habits and Adherence on Cognitive Function, Physical Fitness, and Vascular Health in Older
Da Ae Kim1, Muncheong Choi2, Buongo Chun3
1Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Background And Purpose:
Given the irreversible nature of dementia, this study examined the effects of a 20-week exercise-based dementia prevention program in community-dwelling older adults, focusing on prior exercise experience and program adherence.
Methods:
In this exploratory, non-randomized trial, 55 older adults (65-79 years) were allocated to an intervention (n=26) or control (n=29) group, and blinding was not feasible. The intervention comprised supervised rhythmic aerobic exercise with cognitive-motor components performed three times per week. Cognition was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included physical fitness, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers. Subgroup analyses classified participants by prior exercise experience and intervention exposure: G1 and G2 comprised control subgroups with no intervention exposure, whereas G3 and G4 comprised intervention-exposed subgroups stratified by adherence.
Results:
No significant group-by-time interactions were observed for cognitive outcomes. Participants with prior exercise experience and low adherence (G2) showed significant improvement on the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (β=1.66, p=0.024) despite declines in physical fitness, whereas higher adherence in G3-G4 was associated with stable or favorable physical performance, with G4 showing a positive trend in the 30-second sit-to-stand test. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in G2-G4.
Conclusions:
Although overall cognitive gains were modest and not group specific, prior exercise experience and sustained adherence were associated with favorable changes in physical fitness and vascular outcomes, suggesting that tailored multicomponent exercise programs and long-term engagement may help promote cognitive health in older adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
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
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...