Effect of exercise on cognitive and physical function in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment: systematic review

Abstract

In recent years, the prevalence of cognitive impairment has increased among the elderly, becoming one of the main reasons for suffering dependency and being institutionalized. Previously in the literature, it has been reported that exercise induces improvements on cognitive and physical function in older adults with cognitive impairment. However, there is no consensus regarding the appropriate exercise type to approach those improvements. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review regarding the effects of exercise on cognitive function of institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. In addition, a second aim was to evaluate the effects of exercise in physical function. To achieve this aim a systematic review of clinical trials was performed on the Pubmed database. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A total of 7 studies were analyzed. In all the analyzed studies the intervention group performed aerobic or multicomponent exercises. As regards to cognitive function while significant improvements were observed in 3 studies, in other 3 studies cognitive function did not change. Besides, a cognitive decline was observed in the intervention group in one study. Concerning physical function, results were heterogeneous. Exercise has a positive effect on cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment although the cognitive impairment level affects the proportion of its benefits. Similarly, exercise seems to improve physical function although in most of the studies these results are not statistically significant.