Optimal Exercise Dose for Better Cognition Determined
-
The optimal dose of exercise for improved cognition in older adults is suggested by a new systematic review. Building on numerous studies showing a positive relationship between regular exercise and improvements in brain health, researchers have determined that 52 hours over 6 months is the minimum amount needed to improve cognition in older adults. In fact, total exercise time was the most important factor linked to improved processing speed and attention, executive function, and global cognition in a systematic review of 98 randomized controlled trials. This finding suggests that cognitive improvements associated with exercise act on the same constructs affected by cognitive aging. Exercising in approximately 1-hour sessions to reach this total was associated with improved cognitive performance in older healthy adults, those with mild cognitive impairment, and others with dementia.
-
@saptarshi Interestingly, researchers report that cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and mind-body exercises, or a combination of these, were advantageous. Running might work for some people, but patients with a bad hip or bad knee could still see benefit from lower-impact activities, such as yoga or tai-chi, study author Joyce Gomes-Osman, PT, PhD, assistant professor of clinical physical therapy and neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, told Medscape Medical News.