6-months Of Low-and Moderate-intensity Supervised Exercise Is Associated With Improved Cognition In Healthy Older Adults

PURPOSE: Memory decline is an early indicator of cognitive impairment in aging adults, and research suggests regular exercise participation may help preserve memory function. This randomized clinical trial (NCT03727360) aimed to determine the effects of a 6-month supervised exercise intervention on cognitive function, particularly memory, in cognitively healthy and physically inactive older adults aged 60-89 years. METHOD: One hundred and six cognitively intact older adults were randomized into an experimental group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 51). Both groups participated in a progressive online group exercise regimen, beginning with 30-minute sessions twice a week and gradually increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity over 7 weeks to reach 60-minute sessions 4 times a week. The experimental group exercised at a higher intensity (80% of maximal heart rate). Cognitive function was assessed at baseline (BL) and after the 6-month (6 M) intervention using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for memory and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) for executive function. Physical fitness was evaluated at each time point using 6-minute walk and graded exercise tests. Linear mixed effects models with TIME (BL vs. 6 M) and CONDITION (Experimental vs. Control) as fixed factors were employed to detect changes in memory and fitness from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in the 6-minute walk or VO2max tests, but cognitive performance improved significantly across both groups. Notably, participants demonstrated substantial gains in the RAVLT (sum of trials 1-5) (df = 104, t = 2.09, p = 0.039) and D-KEFS free sorting task (df = 93.375, t = 3.462, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a 6-month supervised exercise program can significantly enhance memory and executive function in healthy older adults, even in the absence of measurable improvements in fitness. Regular, structured exercise may be valuable to support cognitive health and potentially delay age-related cognitive decline. Supported by: NIH-NIA R01AG057552