Efectos de un programa cognitivo-motriz sobre la función ejecutiva en una muestra de personas mayores. [Effects of a cognitive-motor programme on executive function in a sample of elderly people].

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of a cognitive stimulation and physical activity integrated programme, over a period of twenty weeks, on several variables linked to the executive function construct, compared with other physical activity program without additional cognitive stimulation. The participants were 57 women from Malaga City, Spain, whose age ranged between 65 and 69 years old (M = 66.07; SD = 1.31). A pre-post test design was applied to two random groups. One of them followed a programme of physical exercises without added cognitive stimulation and the other one followed the cognitive and physical activity integrated programme. The tools to evaluate the cognitive skills were Trail Making Test (A and B) and Stroop Test. In order to determine the effects of the treatment a mixed bi-factor analysis of variance was applied to each dependent variable. The results revealed positive effects in both groups and differences in favor of integrated programme. This paper helps to increase the body of knowledge on the application and effects of this type of interventions.

Keywords

• physical activity
• cognitive
• elderly
• executive function