Poster No:
1191
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Sam Chi Chung Chan1, Wayne L. S. Chan1, Tom C. W. Tsoi1, Michael K. C. Yeung2, Sunny H.W. Chan3
Institutions:
1The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ---, 2The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ---, 3University of the West of England, Bistrol, United Kingdom
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
It has been shown that cognitive or physical training approaches could improve the cognitive functions of those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) [1-4]. The effects of cognitive and physical trainings on cognitive, affective and physical functions of people with MCI have not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of the mind-body intervention (MBI) and physical exercises (PE) on cognitive, affective and physical functions of older adults with MCI in terms of neuropsychological measures and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Methods:
Fifty-seven participants with MCI (mean age 68.3 (4.94)) were randomized into (1) 4-week MBI, (2) 4-week PE or (3) control group. Each participant was required to complete a series of neuropsychological and fNIRS before and after the completion of the group assigned. The neuropsychological measures were used to capture the between-group treatment effects, including Color Trails Test, Hong Kong List Learning Test, 10-meter walk test, 6-minute walk test. The participants were also engaged in emotional recognition task, N-back task, and single-task and dual-task walking while counting numbers backward. Frontal cortical activities were concurrently acquired using fNIRS.
Results:
Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group x time significance effect between the reaction time of exercise and control groups (F1,41=3.73, p=0.05) with exercise group performing 2-back task faster across time. It also showed marginal group x time significance at right VLPFC activation of the mindfulness and control groups (F1,24=6.02, p=0.022) with VLPFC activity reduced in the mindfulness group. Besides, Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group x time interaction in accuracy rate of both exercise (F1,38=4.66, p=0.037) and mindfulness groups (F1,33=5.73, p=0.022) performing backward counting task. In terms of brain activations, repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group x time interaction at the right VLPFC in mindfulness group (F1,24=4.52, p=0.044). Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group x time interaction in accuracy rate of mindfulness groups (F1,33=5.51, p=0.025) when performing dual-task with walking and backward counting. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group x time interaction at left OFC in the exercise group (F1,24=7.66, p=0.009).
Conclusions:
This would suggest that mindfulness training was showed to enhance working memory function. Both exercise and mindfulness training would enhance sustained attention, as reflected in backward counting and executive function as shown in dual task. Mindfulness training may lead to more mental effort to monitor the level of attention as shown by higher activation of the VLPFC. Exercise may enhance to more executive as shown in increased OFC activation. Long-term effect of mindfulness and physical training could be further investigated in future studies.
Higher Cognitive Functions:
Executive Function, Cognitive Control and Decision Making 2
Lifespan Development:
Aging 1
Keywords:
Aging
Cognition
Experimental Design
Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Treatment
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
Provide references using author date format
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3. Biazus-Sehn, L. F., Schuch, F. B., Firth, J., & Stigger, F. de S. (2020), ‘Effects of physical exercise on cognitive function of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, vol. 89, p. 104048.
4. Song, D., Yu, D. S. F., Li, P. W. C., & Lei, Y. (2018), ‘The effectiveness of physical exercise on cognitive and psychological outcomes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, International Journal of Nursing Studies, vol. 79, pp. 155–164.