Effect of aerobic exercise on cognition in elderly persons with mild cognitive impairment

Objective: To determine the effect of aerobic exercise on cognition in elderly persons with mild cognitive impairment. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Physiotherapy Rehabilitation center of NCS University, Swabi Campus. The inclusion criteria were age group between 60 to 70 years, MMSE 18-23 and able to walk independently without use of assistive device. Those with musculoskeletal disorders, current medical condition for which exercise was contraindicated, had cardiac and respiratory disorders were excluded from the study. A sample of 60 patients were randomly divided into experimental and control group using sealed envelope technique. Treatment for the experimental group was moderate intensity aerobic exercise program i.e., walking and control group received active range of motion exercises and stretching 5days/week for 6 weeks. Control group performed gentle active range of motion exercises and stretching exercises to large muscle groups of lower limb and trunk muscles for 5-7 cycles of 10 repetitions for 20 mins for 5 days/week and training was continued for 6 weeks. MMSE, MoCA, Trail making Test A and B were done at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Results: Of the 75 patients assessed, 60 were included; of them there were 30 in each group. Mean age was 62.49±1.82years. There were 35(56.5%) males and 24 (38.7%) females. Intra-group analysis showed significant improvement in outcomes measures MMSE, MoCA, TMT-A and B after six weeks of intervention in aerobic training group (p<0.05). Inter-group analysis showed significant differences in scores of neurocognitive measures (p<0.05) after six weeks of training. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise showed improvement in neurocognitive domains of elderly persons with mild cognitive impairment after 6 weeks of intervention.