A recent publication in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine reveals that participating in an 18-hole round of golf or a 6-kilometer walk can lead to immediate enhancements in cognitive function among the older population. Moreover, both Nordic walking and standard walking were found to have positive effects on executive functions.
Researchers from diverse international institutions, including the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Edinburgh, and ETH Zürich, conducted a study to investigate the immediate impact of three distinct aerobic activities that are cognitively demanding on the cognitive performance and biological markers of older individuals who are generally healthy.
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Study Framework and Methodological Approach
The investigation included 25 healthy senior golfers, who were at least 65 years old. They took part in three separate acute bouts of aerobic exercise: an 18-hole game of golf, a 6-kilometer session of Nordic walking, and a 6-kilometer session of regular walking. The exercises were performed in real-world settings and participants maintained a pace equivalent to brisk walking.
To assess cognitive function, the researchers employed the Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B. These are established instruments used to evaluate cognitive abilities in the elderly. The TMT-A test focuses on lower-level cognitive functions such as attention and processing speed, whereas the TMT-B evaluates more advanced executive functions like the capability to switch tasks. Additionally, blood samples were drawn to analyze levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB), both of which have been proposed to signify the cerebral advantages of physical activity. Participants also wore devices to monitor various exercise-related parameters, including distance, duration, pace, energy expenditure, and number of steps. Heart rate was monitored through an ECG sensor attached via a chest strap.
Research Outcomes
The outcomes demonstrated that a single session of any of the three examined exercises—be it 18 holes of golf, 6 kilometers of Nordic walking, or 6 kilometers of regular walking—brought about improvements in lower cognitive functions as gauged by the TMT-A test in the elderly participants. However, no substantial changes were observed in the BDNF and CTSB levels. Furthermore, Nordic walking and standard walking were linked to improvements in executive functions as evaluated by the TMT-B test.
Previous scholarly works have highlighted the possible cognitive gains derived from acute sessions of aerobic exercise, pointing out that factors such as exercise intensity, duration, and type can impact the degree of cognitive enhancement.
Julia Kettinen, the study’s lead author and a Doctoral Researcher in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, emphasized the importance of age-appropriate aerobic activities like golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking for the preservation and improvement of cognitive function in older adults. She also mentioned that earlier studies support the idea that exercise could serve as a viable approach for those undergoing cognitive decline.
Reference: “Cognitive and biomarker responses in healthy older adults to an 18-hole golf round and different walking types: a randomised cross-over study” by Julia Kettinen, Heikki Tikkanen, Mikko Hiltunen, Andrew Murray, Nils Horn, William R Taylor, and Mika Venojärvi, dated 1 October 2023, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001629
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cognitive Function in Older Adults
What aerobic exercises were examined in the study for their effects on cognitive function in older adults?
The study examined three specific aerobic exercises for their immediate impact on cognitive function in older adults: an 18-hole round of golf, a 6-kilometer session of Nordic walking, and a 6-kilometer session of regular walking.
Which institutions collaborated on the research?
The research was a collaborative effort involving members from the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Edinburgh, and ETH Zürich.
What methodology was used to measure cognitive function?
The study used the Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B to assess cognitive function. TMT-A measures lower-level cognitive functions such as attention and processing speed, while TMT-B assesses higher-level executive functions like task-switching ability.
Were any biological markers measured in the study?
Yes, blood samples were collected from the participants to measure levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB), both of which have been suggested to indicate the neurological benefits of physical exercise.
What were the main findings of the study?
The study found that a single session of any of the three exercises—18 holes of golf, 6 kilometers of Nordic walking, or 6 kilometers of regular walking—improved lower cognitive functions as measured by the TMT-A test. Additionally, Nordic walking and regular walking were found to improve executive functions as assessed by the TMT-B test.
Did the study find any impact on the biological markers?
The study did not find significant changes in the levels of BDNF and CTSB following the exercise sessions.
How many participants were involved in the study, and what were their characteristics?
The study involved 25 healthy older adults who were golfers and at least 65 years old. They participated in real-world settings and maintained a pace equivalent to brisk walking during the exercise sessions.
Who was the lead author of the study, and where was it published?
The lead author of the study was Julia Kettinen, a Doctoral Researcher in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland. The study was published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
Is this research in line with previous studies on exercise and cognitive function?
Yes, the findings of this study are consistent with previous research, which has indicated that acute bouts of aerobic exercise can have cognitive benefits. Factors like exercise intensity, duration, and type can also influence the degree of cognitive improvement.
What is the practical implication of the study’s findings?
The findings underscore the value of age-appropriate aerobic exercises like golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking in maintaining and enhancing cognitive function among older adults. These exercises also hold promise as potential strategies for those experiencing cognitive decline.
More about Cognitive Function in Older Adults
- BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine Original Study
- University of Eastern Finland Research Publications
- Trail-Making Test Overview
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Cognitive Function
- Understanding Cathepsin B (CTSB)
- Ethics and Exercise Research
- Previous Studies on Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Function
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland
- Executive Functions and Aging
7 comments
Glad they also looked at biomarkers like BDNF and CTSB. Even tho they didn’t find a change, it’s good to know they’re looking at the whole picture.
Wow, this is really an eye opener! Always thought golf was just a leisurely sport but who knew it could actually boost cognitive function in the elderly. I’m tellin my grandpa to hit the course asap!
Fascinating stuff! I always knew exercise was good for the body but never really considered its impact on cognitive health. Especially for older folks, this is good news.
honestly, didn’t expect Nordic walking to be as effective as golf or regular walking. Really interesting findings. Gonna recommend to my parents.
Why only 25 participants tho? Would love to see this study scaled up. Nonetheless, the findings are intriguing, to say the least.
so its not just physical but mental too, huh? That’s amazing. Just goes to show you’re never too old to benefit from exercise.
Are there more studies like this one? Curious to know how other types of exercises stack up. Yoga? Swimming?