Author(s): AKALP, K., BESIKCI, H., RAINHO, A.M., RAMA, L., FERREIRA, J.P., RIBEIRO, M.J., TEIXEIRA, A.M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 267

INTRODUCTION:
The popularity of simultaneously integrated cognitive training and exercise programs is increasing as a strategy to mitigate age-related declines in cognitive function and physical fitness, and these benefits may be further enhanced in a social context. However, the effects of integrated programs—particularly when delivered as group activities—on physical fitness and body composition have not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of the Active4Brain program on physical fitness and body composition with those of aerobic exercise alone.
METHODS:
Seventy-four cognitively healthy older persons, with average age 65.5± 6.2 years, were assigned to control (n=27,) aerobic exercise (AE) (n=23) and integrated cognitive and aerobic exercise (Active4Brain) groups (n=24). Physical fitness was assessed using Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), time up and go (TUG), 30 seconds chair stand and hand grip strength tests. Body composition was analysed using bioimpedance (Inbody 770, Biospace). Evaluated parameters included body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat percentage, muscle mass, fat to muscle ratio (FMR), and phase angle (PhA). Measurements were taken before and after the 13-week (24-session) intervention period. Within-group comparison was done using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Between-group comparison was done with one-way Anova and Kruskal-Wallis tests by using mean differences for each group.
RESULTS:
Paired t-test results revealed significant increment in VO2 peak (p=.006,) in AE group and, handgrip strength (AE, p=.037 ; Active4Brain, p=.019) and 30-seconds chair stand test (AE, p=.004 ; Active4Brain, p=.010) in AE and Active4Brain group. Paired t tests results revealed significant reduction in fat percentage (p=.019) and increment in PhA (p=.029) in the Active4Brain group. Additionally, although no significant differences were observed in the within-group comparisons for the TUG test in any group, significant differences between the control and aerobic exercise (AE) groups (p = .033) were found, as indicated by the Kruskal–Wallis test.
CONCLUSION:
The Active4Brain program demonstrated similar benefits to aerobic exercise (AE) in handgrip strength and the 30-second chair stand test. Moreover, the Active4Brain program led to improvements in body composition, evidenced by a reduction in fat percentage and an increase in phase angle (PhA). These findings suggest that the Active4Brain program is a useful strategy for improving physical fitness and maintaining body composition in older adults while addressing the concerns regarding to the cognitive decline with ageing.