Effects of Momentum-based Dumbbell Training on Quality of Life in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairments

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between healthy aging and dementia. Individuals with MCI have been reported to reduce their cognitive and physical function and consequently worsen their quality of life and sleep quality. Given that no effective pharmacological treatment exists for MCI patents to alter the progress of cognitive decline exists, there is much interest in lifestyle approaches, such as exercise. Momentum-based dumbbell training is a self-initiated dumbbell-spinning exercise aimed at challenging, concurrently, physical and cognitive abilities. The health effects of this exercise on quality of life and sleep quality were unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 12-week momentum-based dumbbell training on quality of life and sleep quality among older adults with MCI. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial of 45 community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Participants were randomly assigned to either a dumbbell training group (DTG; n=22) or control group (CG; n=23). Participants in the DTG participated in a 3-time weekly exercise session for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of Short Form 36 health (SF-36) survey with secondary outcomes being eight subscales of SF-36 survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality of Index (PSQI). RESULTS: At post intervention, participants in the DTG, compared to those in the CG, had significantly improved SF-36 physical functioning (9.55 points; F=4.14, P=0.048) and vitality (16.51 points; F=4.27, P=0.04), PSQI total score (1.43 points; F=4.08, P=0.05) and sleep efficiency score (0.12 points; F=7.13, P=0.01). Compared to baseline, there was a significant within-group changes (improvement) in DTG group, including SF-36 MCS (t=2.16, P=0.04), the subscale of SF-36 (tbodily pain=3.56, P<0.01; tvitality=4.84, P<0.01; tmental health=3.96, P<0.01) and PSQI total score (t=-2.36, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: There is preliminary evidence showing the potential benefit of momentum-based dumbbell training to improve quality of life and sleep quality in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (11372194).