Functional Interval Training (FIT) to Optimize Mental and Physical Function in Older Adults
Presentation Type
Poster
Keywords
dementia, falls, cognition, coordination, exercise, training, balance, older adults, strength, power
Department
Sports Medicine
Major
Sports Medicine
Abstract
As humans grow older, age-related declines in mental and physical function occur but the slope of these declines can be modified by lifestyle factors such as exercise training. Dementia and falls, two of the leading causes of disability in older adults, have resulted in healthcare costs of over $200 billion a year due to dementia and $19 billion a year due to fall treatment (Hurd et al., 2013; Stevens et al., 2006). Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by as much as 50% (Erickson, 2012). Furthermore, since muscular weakness (relative risk of 4.4) and balance deficit (relative risk of 2.9) are both risk factors for falls, exercise training that improves muscular strength and balance should decrease these risks. (Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, 2001).
Past research, which has documented beneficial effects of exercise on dementia, has utilized metabolic fitness methods (cardiovascular and strength training) as its means of exercise training (Erickson, 2011). More recent research has shown that newer training methods, in the form of coordination training, can also decrease an individual’s risk of dementia (Voelcker-Rehage et al., 2011). Coordination exercise, involving functional interval training (FIT), relies on higher-level cognitive processes with less automation and an emphasis on agility, balance, coordination, movement speed, and spatial orientation (Voelcker-Rehage and Niemann, 2013). Coordination training attenuates age-related loss of hippocampal volume, a brain structure that plays an important role in learning and memory (Niemann et al., 2014). Black and colleagues (1990) reported that coordination training in mice was associated with increased neuronal connections (synaptogenesis) in the cerebellum, while cardiovascular training was associated with increased blood vessel proliferation (angiogenesis) in the cerebellum, a brain structure involved in motor coordination and balance.
The aim of this study was to develop exercise-training modules (BrainBalance, BrainMobility, BrainPower, BrainStrength) to improve mental and physical function in older adults. Each module was developed with the intention of incorporating coordination training using common equipment. The exercise modules were designed for older adults to practice at home and can be performed with or without a partner. Each module can be completed in as little as two minutes, increasing up to 10 minutes per module across a four week period. We hypothesize that adherence to this exercise training program will improve the mental and physical function of older adults by delaying age-related cognitive decline and improving coordination training components such as agility, balance, coordination, power and strength.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Priscilla MacRae
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
1-4-2016 2:00 PM
End Date
1-4-2016 3:00 PM
Functional Interval Training (FIT) to Optimize Mental and Physical Function in Older Adults
Waves Cafeteria
As humans grow older, age-related declines in mental and physical function occur but the slope of these declines can be modified by lifestyle factors such as exercise training. Dementia and falls, two of the leading causes of disability in older adults, have resulted in healthcare costs of over $200 billion a year due to dementia and $19 billion a year due to fall treatment (Hurd et al., 2013; Stevens et al., 2006). Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by as much as 50% (Erickson, 2012). Furthermore, since muscular weakness (relative risk of 4.4) and balance deficit (relative risk of 2.9) are both risk factors for falls, exercise training that improves muscular strength and balance should decrease these risks. (Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, 2001).
Past research, which has documented beneficial effects of exercise on dementia, has utilized metabolic fitness methods (cardiovascular and strength training) as its means of exercise training (Erickson, 2011). More recent research has shown that newer training methods, in the form of coordination training, can also decrease an individual’s risk of dementia (Voelcker-Rehage et al., 2011). Coordination exercise, involving functional interval training (FIT), relies on higher-level cognitive processes with less automation and an emphasis on agility, balance, coordination, movement speed, and spatial orientation (Voelcker-Rehage and Niemann, 2013). Coordination training attenuates age-related loss of hippocampal volume, a brain structure that plays an important role in learning and memory (Niemann et al., 2014). Black and colleagues (1990) reported that coordination training in mice was associated with increased neuronal connections (synaptogenesis) in the cerebellum, while cardiovascular training was associated with increased blood vessel proliferation (angiogenesis) in the cerebellum, a brain structure involved in motor coordination and balance.
The aim of this study was to develop exercise-training modules (BrainBalance, BrainMobility, BrainPower, BrainStrength) to improve mental and physical function in older adults. Each module was developed with the intention of incorporating coordination training using common equipment. The exercise modules were designed for older adults to practice at home and can be performed with or without a partner. Each module can be completed in as little as two minutes, increasing up to 10 minutes per module across a four week period. We hypothesize that adherence to this exercise training program will improve the mental and physical function of older adults by delaying age-related cognitive decline and improving coordination training components such as agility, balance, coordination, power and strength.