Study of How Changes in Physical Fitness Affect Thinking Skills in Older Adults Over One Year

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how changes in health-related physical fitness relate to behavioral and brain activity measures of executive function in older adults. This prospective study focuses on adults aged 65 and above and explores whether improvements in physical fitness over one year can predict changes in executive functions, which are essential for planning, organization, and problem-solving. The study aims to provide insights that could guide exercise programs to support cognitive health and reduce dementia-related social and financial burdens. Participants will undergo a pre-test, a one-year observation period with no interventions to maintain normal daily activities, and a post-test. Fitness assessments include cardiorespiratory endurance measured by the YMCA submaximal cycle test, muscular strength tests grip strength, chest press, leg press, muscular endurance tests 30-second chair stand, 30-second bicep curl, flexibility range of motion, and balance evaluated by the Balance Error Scoring System. Executive function is tested using the Stroop test and emotional Stroop test while recording brain activity with EEG. Throughout the study, demographic and health-related information such as age, sex, education, income, sleep quality, physical activity, quality of life, depression symptoms, cognitive status, working memory, step count, resting heart rate, and blood pressure will be collected. These measures are taken at pre- and post-tests to track changes. The primary outcomes focus on aspects of physical fitness and executive function over the one-year period. Secondary outcomes include sleep quality, physical activity, quality of life, depressive symptoms, cognitive and working memory tests, and vital signs.

Health-related Physical Fitness and Executive Function in Older Adults: A Prospective Study