FUNCTION COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Abstract

It has been well-documented that the aging process is accompanied by deterioration of cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, reaction time and speed of information processing. The literature to date suggest a positive relationship between physiological indicators of physical fitness (aerobic capacity) and indices of cognitive performance. Habitual physical activity has received much attention in this respect as a potential protective factor for neurocognitive functioning. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of a programme by six month on cognitive function in healthy older male subjects. METHODS Forty six older male subjects aged 60 to 75 years (66.97 ± 4.80 years) were recruited and divided into 2 groups: those who trained at an anaerobic threshold for 60 min/day, 3 times weekly for six months in an ergometer bicycle (n = 23), and a sedentary subjects-control group- (n = 23). All the volunteers were submitted to a basal evaluation before the physical exercise programming (maximum effort with electrocardiogram, ergoespirometric, humor and neuropsychologicals tests- memory, praxia, visuo-space, construction, agility (hands), mental agility, attention, word recall and general intelligence). Evaluation was repeated after six months. RESULTS The experimental group improved significantly scores of in the attention, memory, motive agility, humor (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION The data suggest that the participation in a of systematized conditioning physical aerobic program can be alternative non pharmacological for cognitive improvement in non demented older people. Supported by CAPES, FAPESP and AFIP. Acknowledgements: CEPE, CENESP/UNIFESP.