In seniors, engaging in a single session of either 18 holes of golf, 6 km of Nordic walking, or 6 km of regular walking was observed to boost cognitive functions.
Cognitive and biomarker responses in healthy older adults to a 18-hole golf round and different walking types: a randomised cross-over study
Go to source). An international team of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Edinburgh and ETH Zürich aimed to explore the immediate effects of three distinct cognitively demanding aerobic exercises on cognition and related biological responses in older, healthy adults.
Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Function in Older Golfers
The study involved 25 healthy older golfers, aged 65 and above, who participated in three different acute bouts of aerobic exercise: an 18-hole golf round, a 6 km Nordic walking session, and a 6 km regular walking session. Each exercise was conducted in a real-life environment, with participants maintaining their typical pace, corresponding to brisk walking.
Exercise for Seniors
Poor health and recurrent illnesses can severely compromise quality of life for seniors. But with appropriate exercise, seniors can age gracefully and maintain overall good health.
Poor health and recurrent illnesses can severely compromise quality of life for seniors. But with appropriate exercise, seniors can age gracefully and maintain overall good health.
‘New study highlights the importance of age-appropriate aerobic activities like golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking for improving cognitive function in older individuals. #seniorhealth #exercise #golfelderly ’
Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B, a widely used tool for evaluating cognitive function in older adults. The TMT-A test measures lower cognitive functions, such as attention and processing speed, while the TMT-B test measures more demanding executive functions such as task-switching ability. Additionally, blood samples were collected to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB) levels. Both have been suggested to reflect the benefits of exercise in the brain. Participants also wore fitness monitoring devices to record exercise-specific data like distance, duration, pace, energy expenditure and steps. An ECG sensor with a chest strap was used to monitor heart rate.
Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults through Exercise
The study showed that a single session of any of the three exercises —18 holes of golf, 6 km of Nordic walking or 6 km of regular walking— improved lower cognitive functions measured with the TMT-A test in older adults, although no significant effects were seen on the levels of BDNF and CTSB. Furthermore, Nordic walking and regular walking were associated with enhanced executive functions measured with the TMT-B test.Previous research has indicated the potential cognitive benefits of acute bouts of aerobic exercise, with factors like exercise intensity, duration and type influencing the extent of improvement.
Walking As An Exercise
People walk for many reasons ranging from pleasure to mental relaxation, finding solitude or for exercise.
People walk for many reasons ranging from pleasure to mental relaxation, finding solitude or for exercise.
Reference:
- Cognitive and biomarker responses in healthy older adults to a 18-hole golf round and different walking types: a randomised cross-over study - (https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/9/4/e001629)
Source-Eurekalert
Fitness Calculator
Exercise or Fitness Calculator assesses your flexibility, strength and stamina based on your performance in various fitness exercises like sit and reach, push up and aerobic exercises.
Exercise or Fitness Calculator assesses your flexibility, strength and stamina based on your performance in various fitness exercises like sit and reach, push up and aerobic exercises.
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