ABSTRACT
Exercise and cardiovascular fitness are important for physical health and well-being. Recent studies show that exercise is associated with cognitive performance across multiple domains including memory, a common complaint for older adults. Data included a ten-word list of delayed recall, a clock drawing activity, and a three-meter walking course derived from the National Health & Aging Trends Study Database (NHATS Round 9). A total of 4977 participants were included in the analysis which was predominantly white (69.7%), non-Hispanic (94.5%), female (59.2%), and between the ages of 70-84 (62.7%). A hierarchical linear regression revealed that performance on the three-meter walking course positively predicted performance on delayed recall, F(4,3999)=300.257, p<.001, and on the clock drawing activity, which is a common screening task for cognitive decline, F(4,3978)=156.433, p<.001;accounting for 23.1% and 13.6% of the variability, respectively, over and above known demographic variables. Findings suggest that fitness may be one of many factors that is associated with memory and overall cognitive decline. These findings are timely as many individuals slowed down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in decreases in exercise and physical activity. Not being physically active or exercising may be related to poorer physical and cognitive health, with specific concerns regarding memory. Taking into consideration the fear and anxiety associated with declining memory in late life, it is crucial to explore this area further along with other factors that may contribute to the association and develop new ways for older adults to exercise safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
As we age, exercise is increasingly important for physical health and well-being. Recent studies have shown that exercise is associated with cognitive performance across multiple domains, specifically memory, a common complaint for older adults. Data included a ten-word list of delayed recall, a clock drawing activity, and a sit-to-stand task (i.e., a low impact sub-maximal test of functional fitness) derived from the National Health & Aging Trends Study Database (NHATS Round 9). A total of 4977 participants were included in the analysis which was predominantly white (69.7%), non-Hispanic (94.5%), female (59.2%), and between the ages of 70-84 (62.7%). A hierarchical linear regression revealed that performance on the sit-to-stand task positively predicted performance on delayed recall, F(4,3914)=245.141, p<.001, and on the clock drawing activity, a common screening task for cognitive decline, F(4,2893)=115.470, p<.001;accounting for 20.1% and 10.6% of the variability, respectively, over and above known demographic variables. These findings indicate that exercise may be one of many factors that is associated with memory and cognitive decline. Given the continuation of quarantine procedures, these findings come at a time of significant clinical relevance. Research shows that many individuals slowed down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current findings suggest that not being physically active may be related to poorer physical and cognitive health, with specific concerns surrounding memory. Future research is essential in this area to tease out of other factor that may be contributing to this relationship and to develop new and innovated modalities for older adults to safely exercise.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Extensive evidence supports a link between aerobic exercise and cognitive improvements in aging adults. A major limitation with existing research is the high variability in cognitive response to exercise. Our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that influence this variability and the low adherence to exercise are critical knowledge gaps and major barriers for the systematic implementation of exercise for promoting cognitive health in aging. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to provide an in-person and remotely delivered intervention study protocol with the main goal of informing the knowledge gap on the mechanistic action of exercise on the brain by characterizing important mechanisms of neuroplasticity, cardiorespiratory fitness response, and genetics proposed to underlie cognitive response to exercise. METHODS: This is an open-label, 2-month, interventional study protocol in neurologically healthy sedentary adults. This study was delivered fully in-person and in remote options. Participants underwent a total of 30 sessions, including the screening session, 3 pretest (baseline) assessments, 24 moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise sessions, and 3 posttest assessments. We recruited participants aged 55 years and above, sedentary, and cognitively healthy. Primary outcomes were neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Secondary outcomes included genetic factors, endothelium function, functional mobility and postural control, exercise questionnaires, depression, and sleep. We also explored study feasibility, exercise adherence, technology adaptability, and compliance of both in-person and remote protocols. RESULTS: The recruitment phase and data collection of this study have concluded. Results are expected to be published by the end of 2021 or in early 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The data generated in these studies will introduce tangible parameters to guide the development of personalized exercise prescription models for maximal cognitive benefit in aging adults. Successful completion of the specific aims will enable researchers to acquire the appropriate expertise to design and conduct studies by testing personalized exercise interventions in person and remotely delivered, likely to be more effective at promoting cognitive health in aging adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03804528; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03804528. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/33589.
ABSTRACT
Objective Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services attempted to quickly transition to a remote format. A need to incorporate and evaluate a remote delivery of neuropsychological measures arose. TestMyBrain (TMB) from the Many Brains Project has been utilizing teleneuropsychology in research since 2017. Method Volunteer research participants (N = 176, Mage = 29, Medu = 15 years, 64.7% white, 54.2% female, 83.2% right-handed) were administered TMB Simple Reaction Time and Choice Reaction Time subtest as part of a larger battery via zoom. Participants were able to choose between completing these measures using a keyboard, mouse, or a touch screen. There were no significant differences among demographic variables across the different completion methods. Results An ANCOVA indicated there was not a significant difference in simple reaction time across the different response F(2,168) = 0.482, p = 0.618, ηp2 = 0.006. There was however a significant difference in choice reaction time across the different response methods F(2,168) = 11.486, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.120. Conclusion Results suggest different response methods maybe suitable for simpler tasks, yet there lacks consistency in response methods for more complex tasks. This medium effect size may have occurred as a result of the lack of sensitivity for devices to detect taps on different portions of the screen as effectively as various keys on a keyboard. Administrators must be aware of the limitations response methods may introduce into results. Limitation to this analysis include limited samples and not controlling for other factors that may potentially influence reaction time such as internet connection. Future research should focus on creating a standardized method for teleneuropsychology administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
ABSTRACT
Objective Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services attempted to quickly transition to a remote format. A need to validate remote delivery of neuropsychological measures arose. TestMyBrain (TMB) from the Many Brains Project has been utilizing teleneuropsychology in research since 2017. Method Volunteer research participants (N = 147, Mage = 29, Medu = 15 years, 64.7% white, 54.2% female, 83.2% right-handed, 52.1% utilized Mac Operating System) were administered TMB Verbal Paired Associates(TMBVPA) and WMS-IV Verbal Paired Associates I(VPAI) as part of a larger battery of test via zoom. The WMS-IV assessments adhered to standardization as much as possible such as limiting potential distractions. Results A correlation revealed a positive association between TMBVPA and VPAI r(150) = 0.312, p = < 0.001. A linear regression revealed that performance on the TMBVPA positively predicted performance on the VPAI F(3, 144) = 9.344, p < 0.001 accounting for 16.6% of the variability over and above known demographic variables. The rate of agreeance showed that 23.7% of TMBVPA scores were within a one score difference of the VPAI and 37.4% were within two scores. Conclusions The results suggest that the two remote administration formats may not be as congruent as originally thought. With 62.6% of scores outside of a two-point range and the low rate of agreement this suggests little real-world application of the TMBVPA. Although telepsychology has come a long way, remote neuropsychological measures may still not be a reality any time soon. Future research should compare both remote administration versions to a standardized in person administration as well as consider other factors that can influence administration formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)