Abstract
Abstract Very little is known about the influence training programmes that combine land-based and water-based exercises might have on the cognitive function of healthy older people. Aim to analyze the combined effect of two physical exercise programs (water-based and land-based) on fitness level and cognitive function. Method 15 senior citizens carried out a water and land-based exercise program (EF group), while 22 senior citizens followed the same program with the addition of cognitive training performed in water (EC group). The effects of both programs were assessed by means of the Symbol Digit Modalities, the Two-minute step and the Timed-up-and-go tests. Results The data obtained showed that both programs had significant effects on the participants' fitness level and cognitive function, although only those in the EC group showed a significantly higher improvement. Conclusion The combination of water-based and land-based exercise may lead to improvements in cognitive functions and fitness levels in healthy older adults. The inclusion of cognitive exercises performed in water seems to maximise these effects.
Highlights
Exercising regularly is a strategy of proved efficacy to attenuate the advance of cognitive aging in healthy older adults
The results obtained after both programmes were carried out showed that participants in both groups significantly improved their aerobic capacity and cognitive function (Table 2), but only those of EC group experienced significant changes in dynamic balance
A comparative study using ANOVA 2x2 (Moment x Group) suggested the existence of a differential effect depending on the programme and the variables which were assessed by means of Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), F (1.44) = 4.037; p = 0.038 and Timed Up and Go (TUG), F (1.44) = 3.120; p = 0.045
Summary
Exercising regularly is a strategy of proved efficacy to attenuate the advance of cognitive aging in healthy older adults. Very little is known about the influence training programmes that combine land-based and water-based exercises might have on the cognitive function of healthy older people[3]. Studies comparing the efficacy of these types of programmes against other alternatives seem to be an urgent necessity in the field Under these circumstances the present pilot study pursues a double aim: on the one hand, to identify the effects of a combination of land-based and water-based exercise programmes on the cognitive functions and fitness levels of healthy older people; on the other hand, to compare the dimension of said effects relative to the inclusion of cognitive training as part of one of the programmes offered
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