ABSTRACT
Background: As the population ages, cognitive impairment and dementia have become one of the greatest health threats in older adults. Prior studies suggest that exergaming could improve cognitive function in older adults. To date, few long-term exergames intervention studies on older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic exist. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergame on cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to examine whether exergame was more effective than aerobic dancing for executive function and working memory. Methods: 55 participants (mean age = 65.4 ±3.7 years) were randomly assigned to an exergame training (ET) group, an aerobic dancing training (ADT) group, or a control (CON) group. The ET and ADT groups received 36 sessions (three 75-min training sessions per week, exercise intensity = 65 to 75% HRmax) during a 12-week period. The outcome measures for cognitive function included working memory measured by the N-back test, and executive function measured by the Stroop test. Results: The ET group showed a significantly positive effect in working memory, relative to the ADT (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.76, p < 0.01), and CON group (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.87, p = 0.02). Moreover, the performance in the Stroop test showed some improvements in executive function after intervention in the ET and ADT groups (Stroop intervention effect: ES = 0.38;p = 0.25). Conclusions: Exergame had a positive benefit in improving cognitive functions in older adults without cognitive impairment. Long-term exergame training could improve working memory in older adults. Exergame and aerobic dancing can efficiently improve inhibitory control of executive function in older adults. Maintaining an active lifestyle is protective of cognitive health in older adults.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the treatment process of a renal transplant patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and discuss the management strategy for the immunocompromised hosts. METHODS: The diagnosis and treatment of a case of transplant patients with COVID-19 admitted to Horgos designated hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in October 2021 were reviewed. The medical history and laboratory and imaging examination treatment and outcome of this case were analyzed. RESULTS: The recipient was a middle-aged male with a time from renal transplantation of 3 years. The onset was moderate to low fever, accompanied by cough and fatigue. Chest CT showed multiple ground glass shadows under the pleura of both lungs, mainly in both lower lungs, gradually worsening until "white lung" appeared, with early renal and cardiac insufficiency. In the course of treatment, immunosuppressants were reduced and the dosage of glucocorticoid was increased. In the early stage, due to renal insufficiency and hyperkalemia, dialysis was conducted for 3 times. Oral abidol and Lianhua Qingwen capsule were given as antiviral and anti-infection treatment. Special immunoglobulin and convalescent plasma of COVID-19 were used to boost the immunity of patients. The patient was eventually clinically cured. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations and diagnosis of COVID-19 for the kidney transplantation recipient are not significantly different from other populations, but immunocompromised hosts are more likely to suffer from organ dysfunction. The adjustment of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids, respiratory support, selection of antibiotics, organ protection, nutritional support and traditional Chinese medicine intervention in the treatment of renal transplant recipients with severe COVID-19 need further discussion.