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Effects of square‐stepping exercise on cognitive functions of older people
Author(s) -
Teixeira Camila Vieira Ligo,
Gobbi Sebastião,
Pereira Jessica Rodrigues,
Vital Thays Martins,
Hernandéz Salma Stéphany Soleman,
Shigematsu Ryosuke,
Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12017
Subject(s) - cognition , cognitive flexibility , cognitive decline , flexibility (engineering) , gerontology , test (biology) , balance (ability) , cognitive training , psychological intervention , older people , psychology , elderly people , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , dementia , medicine , physical therapy , psychiatry , paleontology , statistics , mathematics , disease , biology
Aim Cognitive functions can decline with age, and interventions focusing on stimulating them may have positive results. Previous studies have shown that square‐stepping exercise ( SSE ) has a good influence on balance, but this exercise also seems to promote cognitive stimulation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyse the effect of 16 weeks of SSE on cognitive functions in non‐demented community‐dwelling older people. Methods This was a longitudinal, non‐randomized study. Forty‐one older adults (60 years and older) were recruited, and 21 participated in the SSE group (practised only SSE sequences) and 20 were in the control group (continued with their activities of daily living). Both groups were evaluated using the M ini‐ M ental S tate E xamination, the D igit S pan test, the T oulouse‐ P ierón Attention Test and the M odified C ard S orting T est. Results The SSE group showed a significant improvement in global cognitive status, concentrated attention and mental flexibility after 16 weeks of the SSE intervention. Conclusion Evidence shows that SSE is a physical activity that positively influences cognitive functions in non‐demented older people.