Effects of 5 Years Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Older Adults: The Generation 100 Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ekaterina Zotcheva, Asta Kristine Håberg, Ulrik Wisløff, Øyvind Salvesen, Geir Selbæk, Dorthe Stensvold, Linda Ernstsen, Ekaterina Zotcheva, Asta Kristine Håberg, Ulrik Wisløff, Øyvind Salvesen, Geir Selbæk, Dorthe Stensvold, Linda Ernstsen

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether a 5-year exercise intervention and change in peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) is associated with cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: Nine hundred and forty-five participants (48% women, mean age at study end 78.2 ± 2.02 years) from the Generation 100 Study were randomized 2:1:1 to a control group, moderate-intensity continuous training or high-intensity interval training twice weekly for 5 years. Peak oxygen uptake was measured using ergospirometry at baseline and after 5 years. Global cognition and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA) after 5 years.

Results: Compared to the control group, the combined moderate-intensity continuous training plus high-intensity interval training (ExComb) group did not have significantly different cognitive scores (beta value 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.17, 0.69) or odds of MCI (odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.66, 1.13). Men in the ExComb group had 0.80 points higher MoCA (95% CI 0.21, 1.40) and 32% lower odds of MCI compared with male controls (95% CI 0.47, 0.99), with no such findings in women. In the total sample, each 1 metabolic equivalent of task increase in [Formula: see text] corresponded to 0.46 points higher MoCA (95% CI 0.25, 0.67) and 27% lower odds of MCI (95% CI 0.63, 0.85). Compared to [Formula: see text] stable, participants whose [Formula: see text] increased did not have significantly different cognitive scores (beta value 0.24, CI - 0.68, 1.15) or odds of MCI (odds ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.36, 1.34), whereas participants whose [Formula: see text] decreased had 0.64 points lower MoCA (95% CI - 1.15, - 0.14) and 35% higher odds of MCI (95% CI 0.98, 1.87).

Conclusions: Overall, exercise was not significantly associated with cognition among older adults. However, maintaining or increasing [Formula: see text] appeared to benefit cognition.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01666340.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

© 2021. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart. HIIT high-intensity interval training, MICT moderate-intensity continuous training, MoCA Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale

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