Author(s): KAIRIUKSTYTE, A., MICKEVICIENE, L., KUSLEIKIENE, S., MASIULIS, N., LEVIN, O., CESNAITIENE, V., Institution: LITHUANIAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY, Country: LITHUANIA, Abstract-ID: 1602

INTRODUCTION:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects around 10–20% of adults over 65 and increases the risk of developing dementia [1,2]. With few effective treatments available, identifying practical, modifiable strategies is essential. Exercise supports both brain and metabolic health and may promote neuroplasticity while reducing inflammation [3,4]. Therefore, this study examined how training influences inhibitory control, metabolic markers, lipid profiles, and physical function in older adults with MCI, and whether age and baseline cognition shape these responses.

METHODS:
Older adults with MCI completed supervised strength and stretching training for six months, assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Baseline cognition was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) [5]. Cognitive outcomes included inhibition accuracy and reaction time to correct responses in the Go/No-go test. Additional measures were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein, MTL, and non-DTL cholesterol, fat mass, gait speed, and chair rise performance. Repeated-measures General Linear Models (SPSS 29.0) included age and baseline MoCA as covariates. Significance was set at p < .05. Effect sizes are reported as partial eta-squared (ηₚ²) and observed power (1-beta).

RESULTS:
No significant between-group differences were found. A trend-level group x time interaction was observed for inhibition reaction time (p = .040, ηₚ² = .125, 1-beta = .617), indicating faster responses in the strength group. Inhibition control accuracy showed a trend-level association with age (p = .070, ηₚ² = .105, 1-beta = .527). Metabolic markers showed no main effects. Baseline MoCA was associated with HbA1c (%) (p = .049, ηₚ² = .146, 1-beta = .512) and HbA1c (mmol/mol) (p = .024, ηₚ² = .188, 1-beta = .637). Trend-level group x time interactions were observed for MTL (p = .015, ηₚ² = .145, 1-beta = .753) and non-DTL cholesterol (p = .019, ηₚ² = .137, 1-beta = .724). Fat mass interacted with baseline MoCA (p = .025, ηₚ² = .218, 1-beta = .691) and showed a trend toward a time x group effect (p = .074, ηₚ² = .159, 1-beta = .515). Age was associated with fat mass (p = .045), gait speed (p = .051), and chair rise performance (p = .056).

CONCLUSION:
Six months of training did not significantly improve cognitive, metabolic, or functional outcomes. However, moderate effects and interaction patterns suggest modality-specific adaptations influenced by age and baseline cognition. Early changes in metabolic regulation and inhibitory control may precede broader cognitive gains, supporting exercise as a promising early intervention in MCI [3,4].

REFERENCES:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease International. World Alzheimer Report 2024. London: ADI; 2024.
2. World Health Organization. Global status report on dementia 2021. Geneva: WHO; 2021.
3. Qipo O, et al. Ageing Res Rev. 2026;113:102917.
4. Vints WAJ, et al. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2024;21:9.
5. Nasreddine ZS, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53:695-9.