Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (May 2023)

Effects of home-based physical exercise programs on cognition in older adults: an integrative review

  • Juliana Daniele de Araújo Silva,
  • Diógenes Cândido Mendes Maranhão,
  • Roberto Vinícius da Costa Silva,
  • Gleyce Kelly Batista de Souza,
  • Júlia Carolina Lopes Silva,
  • André dos Santos Costa,
  • André Luiz Torres Pirauá

DOI
https://doi.org/10.53886/gga.e0230013
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

Read online

This study sought to review randomized clinical trials of home-based physical exercises and their effects on cognition in older adults. An integrative review was carried out after searching the PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and PEDro databases. The risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the PEDro Scale. Fourteen studies were included, with an average PEDro score of 6.1±1.7 (range, 3 to 9) points. Overall, the studies found that interventions consisting of home-based physical exercise programs, whether strength training alone or combined with aerobic and balance exercises, performed three times a week in 60-minute sessions for a minimum duration of 8 weeks, contribute to cognitive performance in older adults, with particular impact on executive function. We conclude that home-based physical exercises constitute a strategy to minimize the negative implications associated with cognitive impairment in older adults.

Keywords