Exercise Impact on Affective/Cognitive Symptoms and QoL in Subjective Cognitive Decline: An RCT
Rebecca Ann-Maria Watry, Niloufar Niakosari Hadidi, Mary Jo Kreitzer, Rozina Bhimani, Fang Yu, Dereck L. SalisburyIntroduction
The purpose of this secondary data analysis of an RCT, was to examine the preliminary efficacy of moderate-intensity cycling exercise versus control on cognitive and affective symptoms (i.e., depressive and anxiety), and quality of life (QoL) in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
Methods
Community-dwelling older adults with SCD (N=38) were randomized to 12 weeks/36 sessions. For this secondary data analysis, between-group change was evaluated by analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline values.
Results
The participants’ mean age was 74.6(7.4) years, and 69% female. There were no significant between-group changes in all outcomes (p-values ranged from .06-.70. Large and moderate between-group effect sizes were seen in favor of the control group for anxiety symptoms (between-group change=−5.36 [4.74], η p 2 =0.11.
Discussion
Attention and social interaction received by this secluded population of older adults and COVID-19 losses likely impacted results. Further mixed-methods research with larger groups that does not span a pandemic, is necessary.
Clinical Trial Registry
Concurrent Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training to Prevent Alzheimer’s in At-risk Older Adults (Exergames): NCT04311736.