Exploring the Viability of Neurobic Exercises as an Intervention for Cognitive Impairment: A Literature Review

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the viability of implementing neurobic exercise interventions among adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, was done for relevant studies, including randomised controlled trials, observational studies. Inclusion criteria were both male and female with cognitive impairment, implementation of neurobic programme and their follow ups. A total of four articles were synthesised out of 12, for the review based on the inclusion criteria. Results: All the four studies yielded positive results. Firstly, use of neurobic exercises exhibited a significant decrease in Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) relative change scores, indicating cognitive decline improvement, and significantly higher Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) relative change scores, reflecting enhanced cognitive performance at 3rd and 6th weeks. Secondly, serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) level in the neurobic group was slightly higher than pretest. There was change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale in post treatment experimental group as compared to conventional group. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the activities and perceived the intervention as helpful. Conclusion: The implementation of neurobic exercise interventions proved to be both feasible and was well-received by people with cognitive impairment. It also proved to improve quality of life. Neurobic exercises suggest future research avenues demonstrating a forward looking approach to address existing research gaps.