Study of Aquatic Aerobic Exercise with Cognitive Tasks to Improve Cognitive and Health Outcomes in Physically Inactive Older Women Aged 60 to 75

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of aquatic aerobic exercise combined with cognitive tasks on cognitive function and other health outcomes in older women aged 60 to 75. The study aims to determine whether adding cognitive tasks to aquatic exercise provides additional cognitive benefits compared to conventional aquatic exercise alone or no intervention. This randomized, single-blinded, three-arm trial is sponsored by the Federal University of Pelotas and focuses on aging-related changes in cognition and physical health. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups an aquatic aerobic exercise program with cognitive tasks, a conventional aquatic aerobic exercise program, or a control group. The exercise programs last 12 weeks with two sessions per week on non-consecutive days. The aquatic aerobic exercises involve interval training using movements such as butt kick, frontal kick, cross-country skiing, and stationary running with intensity guided by a perceived exertion scale. The cognitive tasks target various cognitive domains and are performed during active recovery phases in the combined group. During the study, participants undergo assessments at the start, after the 12-week intervention, and again at a 12-week follow-up. These include tests measuring cognitive function like the Digit Span Test and Controlled Oral Word Association Test, as well as evaluations of physical function, cardiovascular health, and psychosocial factors such as depressive symptoms and quality of life. The study tracks adherence to exercise intensity and progression in cognitive tasks. The goal is to evaluate whether both exercise programs improve health outcomes compared to no intervention, with added cognitive benefits expected from combining exercise with cognitive tasks.

Aquatic Exercises Combined With Cognitive Tasks for Older Adults