Exercise Prescription for the Mind: Tailoring Workouts to Boost Cognitive Health at Every Age
How Exercise Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, and Progression Impact Cognitive Function in Children, Adults, and Seniors
Researchers have recently explored the intricate relationship between exercise and cognitive function across different age groups. The FITT-VP variables – exercise frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression – were scrutinized to unveil their unique impacts on global cognition, executive function, memory, attention, and information processing.
Examining results from 54 trials the study uncovered a resounding endorsement for chronic exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy for enhancing cognitive abilities. The findings revealed that exercise positively influenced overall cognition, executive function, memory, attention, and information processing, with specific nuances based on exercise types and age categories.
Aerobic exercise emerged as the best for global cognition, while resistance exercise demonstrated unparalleled benefits for executive function (which is decision-making, planning and problem-solving). Surprisingly, mind-body exercises took the spotlight for memory enhancement. The study also highlighted that older adults reaped the greatest cognitive rewards across global cognition, executive function, and memory when compared to control groups.
Yet, the quest for a complete understanding continues, as researchers call for additional studies to explore the effects of exercise on attention and information processing. This study not only validates exercise as a powerful cognitive enhancer but also provides tailored insights into how distinct exercise components can be optimized for individuals of all ages.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2023.102116