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The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Older People: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Antonieta Tinôco

    (Coordination of Physical Education and Sport, Federal Institute of Science and Technology Education of Amazonas, Manaus 69020-120, Brazil)

  • Marcelo de Maio Nascimento

    (Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina 56304-917, Brazil)

  • Adilson Marques

    (Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
    Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-020 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Élvio Rúbio Gouveia

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
    Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSYS), Interactive Technologies Institute, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal)

  • Salvador Miguel

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal)

  • Francisco Santos

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal)

  • Andreas Ihle

    (Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
    Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
    Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES—Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

Abstract

The ageing process is associated with vulnerabilities, such as cognitive decline. Physical activity and exercise are key for preserving cognitive health in older age. This systematic review aims to analyse the effects of physical fitness programs on healthy older adults’ cognitive functions. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. It included observational and experimental studies published between February 2017 and March 2023. Of the 1922 studies identified, 38 met the inclusion criteria. The findings show the positive effects of physical training on cognitive function in older adults. The most examined cognitive domains were executive function, memory function, and global cognition. Aerobic training prevailed, followed by resistance strength training and exergames. There was high variability in the characteristics of the protocols. The average length of interventions was 3–6 months; the frequency varied in the range of 1–4-times a week and 30–90 min sessions. The findings of this systematic review emphasise that physical fitness programs positively improve the specific domains of cognitive function in healthy older adults. These results can contribute to planning future interventions to improve the mental health of the older population and strengthen the development of policies for healthy ageing.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Antonieta Tinôco & Marcelo de Maio Nascimento & Adilson Marques & Élvio Rúbio Gouveia & Salvador Miguel & Francisco Santos & Andreas Ihle, 2023. "The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Older People: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-28, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16314-:d:1287895
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sławomir Kujawski & Agnieszka Kujawska & Mariusz Kozakiewicz & Djordje G. Jakovljevic & Błażej Stankiewicz & Julia L. Newton & Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska & Paweł Zalewski, 2022. "Effects of Sitting Callisthenic Balance and Resistance Exercise Programs on Cognitive Function in Older Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Meng-Ta Lee & Yuh Jang & Wan-Ying Chang, 2019. "How do impairments in cognitive functions affect activities of daily living functions in older adults?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-14, June.
    3. Atsuko Miyazaki & Takashi Okuyama & Hayato Mori & Kazuhisa Sato & Keigo Kumamoto & Atsushi Hiyama, 2022. "Effects of Two Short-Term Aerobic Exercises on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults during COVID-19 Confinement in Japan: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-29, May.
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