The Influence of Cognitive Training on Balance in Older Adults

• Autor(a) principal: Pinto, Joana Isabel Amorim Pereira Magalhães
• Data de Publicação: 2016
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/8994
• topic: older adults; static balance; double support; COP displacement; executive function; Domínio/Área Científica::Ciências Médicas::Ciências da Saúde

Background: Aging causes brain changes on the central nervous system, specifically in the gray and white matter. The changes caused in the white matter affect executive function and balance. Aim(s): To analyze the influence of a specific cognitive training on static balance in older adults. Methods: This is a controlled trial. The sample of this study consisted of a group of 22 participants aged 63-80 years, of both genders and physically active. The evaluations were twice/week for 12 weeks. Data regarding participants’ physical activity, cognitive performance, mobility and lower limb strength was collected with standardized measures. Balance was assessed with an EMED NOVEL performed pre and post intervention with three months apart. The intervention group performed a cognitive exercise program, which focused on executive function, (1h/session, pressure platform. Center of Pressure (COP) displacement length and velocity variables (global, anterior-posterior, medio-lateral directions) were analysed. These evaluations were performed pre and post intervention with 3 months apart. The Mann-Whitney test was used to see differences between groups (independent samples) and the Wilcoxon to see differences between moments (related samples). However, this type of analysis, divided into several tests, increases the error type 1. Results: Statistically significant differences (p<0,05) between assessments (pre and post intervention) were only found for the control group regarding lower limb strength and COP maximal velocity (global, anterior-posterior directions). Indeed, the control group’s lower limb strength and balance declined, while there were no statistically significant differences between moments for the intervention group. Conclusion: The balance of the participants of the control group declined between assessments, whereas there were no differences in the balance of the participants of the intervention group. This may have been consequences from gains in executive function as a consequence of the cognitive training. However, the results of the present study are limited, and further research is required.