Clinical Interventions in Aging (Dec 2015)

Effects of momentum-based dumbbell training on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial

  • Lü J,
  • Sun M,
  • Liang L,
  • Feng Y,
  • Pan X,
  • Liu Y

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 11
pp. 9 – 16

Abstract

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Jiaojiao Lü,1 Mingyun Sun,2,3 Leichao Liang,1 Yi Feng,1 Xiaoyu Pan,1 Yu Liu1 1Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 2Institue of Physical Education, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, 3Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People’s Republic of China Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an innovative momentum-based dumbbell-training intervention on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Subjects and methods: A total of 45 community-dwelling older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to either a dumbbell-training group (DTG; n=22) or a control group (CG; n=23). Participants in the DTG participated in exercise sessions three times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were cognitive function, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) – Cognitive subscale, Trail Making Test part B, Digit Span Test (DST) – forward, and DST – backward, with secondary outcome measures being Timed Up and Go, functional reach, and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale.Results: In an intent-to-treat analysis, participants in the DTG had significantly improved ADAS – Cognitive subscale scores compared to those in the CG (5.02 points, P=0.012). There was a significant within-group change (improvement) in Trail Making Test part B (33.32 seconds, P<0.001) and DST – backward (0.41 points, P=0.025) scores. No change was observed for the DST – forward measure. Participants in the DTG also improved their functional mobility compared to those in the CG (Timed Up and Go, 0.81 seconds; P=0.043).Conclusion: There is preliminary evidence showing the potential benefit of momentum-based dumbbell training for improving cognitive function in older adults with MCI. Keywords: exercise intervention, cognition, physical performance, older adults, mild cognitive impairment

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