Effects of Physical Activity on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Critically Appraised Topic
Location
Armstrong Campus (Solms 110)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis Presentation (Open Access)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. James Karnes
Faculty Mentor Email
jkarnes@georgiasouthern.edu
Presentation Year
2022
Start Date
14-11-2022 5:30 PM
End Date
14-11-2022 7:30 PM
Description
The aging population is the fastest growing population currently. Older adults are also most susceptible to cognitive impairment, because of the natural cognitive decline with age. Physical activity has proven to change the body physically by increasing strength and endurance of muscles. Furthermore, physical activity aids quality of life by decreasing the negative impact of cognitive impairment. This study investigated the influence of physical activity on cognitive performance of cognitively impaired older adults. This study found that physical activity had a beneficial effect on cognition when physical activity plans were done for at least 6 months and of moderate to high intensity. However, all areas of cognition were not significantly affected. However, executive control function, working memory, and attention did show positive correlation. Understanding the connection between physical activity and cognition will consequently aid healthcare professionals in improving the quality of life by decreasing cognitive decline in individuals who are most susceptible to cognitive impairment.
Academic Unit
Waters College of Health Professions
Effects of Physical Activity on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Critically Appraised Topic
Armstrong Campus (Solms 110)
The aging population is the fastest growing population currently. Older adults are also most susceptible to cognitive impairment, because of the natural cognitive decline with age. Physical activity has proven to change the body physically by increasing strength and endurance of muscles. Furthermore, physical activity aids quality of life by decreasing the negative impact of cognitive impairment. This study investigated the influence of physical activity on cognitive performance of cognitively impaired older adults. This study found that physical activity had a beneficial effect on cognition when physical activity plans were done for at least 6 months and of moderate to high intensity. However, all areas of cognition were not significantly affected. However, executive control function, working memory, and attention did show positive correlation. Understanding the connection between physical activity and cognition will consequently aid healthcare professionals in improving the quality of life by decreasing cognitive decline in individuals who are most susceptible to cognitive impairment.
