Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review article

Physical activity and neurocognitive functioning in aging - a condensed updated review

Authors: Patrick D. Gajewski, Michael Falkenstein

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

This condensed review gives an overview about two methodological approaches to study the impact of physical activity on cognition in elderly, namely cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled intervention studies with pre- and post-measures. Moreover, this review includes studies investigating different types of physical activity and their relation to cognitive functions in older age. Behavioral data are considered but the main focus lies on neuroscientific methods like event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Literature
1.
go back to reference Zhao E, Tranovich MJ, Wright VJ. The role of mobility as a protective factor of cognitive functioning in aging adults: a review. Sports Health. 2014;6:63–9.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Zhao E, Tranovich MJ, Wright VJ. The role of mobility as a protective factor of cognitive functioning in aging adults: a review. Sports Health. 2014;6:63–9.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003;14:125–30.CrossRefPubMed Colcombe S, Kramer AF. Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: a meta-analytic study. Psychol Sci. 2003;14:125–30.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Etnier JL, Nowell PM, Landers DM, Sibley BA. A meta-regression to examine the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive performance. Brain Res Rev. 2006;52:119–30.CrossRefPubMed Etnier JL, Nowell PM, Landers DM, Sibley BA. A meta-regression to examine the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive performance. Brain Res Rev. 2006;52:119–30.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Heyn P, Abreu BC, Ottenbacher KJ. The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004;85:1694–704.CrossRefPubMed Heyn P, Abreu BC, Ottenbacher KJ. The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004;85:1694–704.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Hayes SM, Hayes JP, Cadden M, Verfaellie M. A review of cardiorespiratory fitness-related neuroplasticity in the aging brain. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;5:31.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Hayes SM, Hayes JP, Cadden M, Verfaellie M. A review of cardiorespiratory fitness-related neuroplasticity in the aging brain. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;5:31.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9:58–65.CrossRefPubMed Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9:58–65.CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Kramer AF, Erickson KI. Capitalizing on cortical plasticity: influence of physical activity on cognition and brain function. Trends Cogn Sci. 2007;11:342–8.CrossRefPubMed Kramer AF, Erickson KI. Capitalizing on cortical plasticity: influence of physical activity on cognition and brain function. Trends Cogn Sci. 2007;11:342–8.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Kramer AF, Erickson KI. Effects of physical activity on cognition, well-being, and brain: Human interventions. Alzheimers Dement. 2007;3:45–51.CrossRef Kramer AF, Erickson KI. Effects of physical activity on cognition, well-being, and brain: Human interventions. Alzheimers Dement. 2007;3:45–51.CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Gomez-Pinilla F, Hillman C. The influence of exercise on cognitive abilities. Comprehensive Physiol. 2013;3:403–28. Gomez-Pinilla F, Hillman C. The influence of exercise on cognitive abilities. Comprehensive Physiol. 2013;3:403–28.
10.
go back to reference Netz Y, Wu MJ, Becker BJ, Tenenbaum G. Physical activity and psychological well-being in advanced age: a meta-analysis of intervention studies. Psychol Aging. 2005;20:272–84.CrossRefPubMed Netz Y, Wu MJ, Becker BJ, Tenenbaum G. Physical activity and psychological well-being in advanced age: a meta-analysis of intervention studies. Psychol Aging. 2005;20:272–84.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Voelcker-Rehage C, Niemann C. Structural and functional brain changes related to different types of physical activity across the life span. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013;37:2268–95.CrossRefPubMed Voelcker-Rehage C, Niemann C. Structural and functional brain changes related to different types of physical activity across the life span. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013;37:2268–95.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Abbott RD, White LR, Ross G, Masaki KH, Curb J, Petrovitch H. Walking and dementia in physically capable elderly men. JAMA. 2004;292:1447–53.CrossRefPubMed Abbott RD, White LR, Ross G, Masaki KH, Curb J, Petrovitch H. Walking and dementia in physically capable elderly men. JAMA. 2004;292:1447–53.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Brown BM, Peiffer JJ, Martins RN. Multiple effects of physical activity on molecular and cognitive signs of brain aging: can exercise slow neurodegeneration and delay Alzheimer’s disease? Mol Psychiatry. 2013;18:864–74.CrossRefPubMed Brown BM, Peiffer JJ, Martins RN. Multiple effects of physical activity on molecular and cognitive signs of brain aging: can exercise slow neurodegeneration and delay Alzheimer’s disease? Mol Psychiatry. 2013;18:864–74.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Colcombe SJ, Erickson KI, Raz N, Webb AG, Cohen NJ, Mc Auley E, et al. Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2003;58:176–80.CrossRefPubMed Colcombe SJ, Erickson KI, Raz N, Webb AG, Cohen NJ, Mc Auley E, et al. Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2003;58:176–80.CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference de Bruijn RF, Schrijvers EM, de Groot KA, Witteman JC, Hofman A, Franco OH, et al. The association between physical activity and dementia in an elderly population: the Rotterdam Study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013;28:277–83.CrossRefPubMed de Bruijn RF, Schrijvers EM, de Groot KA, Witteman JC, Hofman A, Franco OH, et al. The association between physical activity and dementia in an elderly population: the Rotterdam Study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013;28:277–83.CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Rovio S, Kåreholt I, Helkala E-L, Viitanen M, Winblad B, Tuomilehto J, et al. Leisure-time physical activity at midlife and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet Neurol. 2005;4:705–11.CrossRefPubMed Rovio S, Kåreholt I, Helkala E-L, Viitanen M, Winblad B, Tuomilehto J, et al. Leisure-time physical activity at midlife and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet Neurol. 2005;4:705–11.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference van Gelder BM, Tijhuis MA, Kalmijn S, Giampaoli S, Nissinen A, Kromhout D. Physical activity in relation to cognitive decline in elderly men: the FINE Study. Neurology. 2004;63:2316–21.CrossRefPubMed van Gelder BM, Tijhuis MA, Kalmijn S, Giampaoli S, Nissinen A, Kromhout D. Physical activity in relation to cognitive decline in elderly men: the FINE Study. Neurology. 2004;63:2316–21.CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Weuve J, Kang JH, Manson JE, Breteler MM, Ware JH, Grodstein F. Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women. JAMA. 2004;292:1454–61.CrossRefPubMed Weuve J, Kang JH, Manson JE, Breteler MM, Ware JH, Grodstein F. Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women. JAMA. 2004;292:1454–61.CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Yaffe K, Barnes D, Nevitt M, Lui LY, Covinsky K. A prospective study of physical activity and cognitive decline in elderly women: women who walk. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:1703–8.CrossRefPubMed Yaffe K, Barnes D, Nevitt M, Lui LY, Covinsky K. A prospective study of physical activity and cognitive decline in elderly women: women who walk. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:1703–8.CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Guiney H, Machado L. Benefits of regular aerobic exercise for executive functioning in healthy populations. Psychon Bull Rev. 2013;20:73–86.CrossRefPubMed Guiney H, Machado L. Benefits of regular aerobic exercise for executive functioning in healthy populations. Psychon Bull Rev. 2013;20:73–86.CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Prakash RS, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Physical activity and cognitive vitality. Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:769–97.CrossRefPubMed Prakash RS, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Physical activity and cognitive vitality. Annu Rev Psychol. 2015;66:769–97.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Prakash RS, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Lewis JM, Chaddock L, Malkowski E, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness and attentional control in the aging brain. Front Hum Neurosci. 2011;4:29.CrossRef Prakash RS, Voss MW, Erickson KI, Lewis JM, Chaddock L, Malkowski E, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness and attentional control in the aging brain. Front Hum Neurosci. 2011;4:29.CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Voelcker-Rehage C, Godde B, Staudinger UM. Cardiovascular and coordination training differentially improve cognitive performance and neural processing in older adults. Front Hum Neurosci. 2011;5:26.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Voelcker-Rehage C, Godde B, Staudinger UM. Cardiovascular and coordination training differentially improve cognitive performance and neural processing in older adults. Front Hum Neurosci. 2011;5:26.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Smith PJ, Blumenthal JA, Hoffman BM, Cooper H, Strauman TA, Welsh-Bohmer K, et al. Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Psychosom Med. 2010;72:239–52.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Smith PJ, Blumenthal JA, Hoffman BM, Cooper H, Strauman TA, Welsh-Bohmer K, et al. Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Psychosom Med. 2010;72:239–52.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: asystematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014;16:12–31.CrossRefPubMed Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: asystematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014;16:12–31.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Erickson KI, Leckie RL, Weinstein AM. Physical activity, fitness, and gray matter volume. Neurobiol Aging. 2014;35:20–8.CrossRef Erickson KI, Leckie RL, Weinstein AM. Physical activity, fitness, and gray matter volume. Neurobiol Aging. 2014;35:20–8.CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Lautenschlager NT, Almeida OP. Physical activity and cognition in old age. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2006;19:190–93.CrossRefPubMed Lautenschlager NT, Almeida OP. Physical activity and cognition in old age. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2006;19:190–93.CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Desjardins-Crépeau L, Berryman N, Vu TT, Villalpando JM, Kergoat MJ, Li KZ, et al. Physical functioning is associated with processing speed and executive functions in community-dwelling older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2014;69:837–44.CrossRefPubMed Desjardins-Crépeau L, Berryman N, Vu TT, Villalpando JM, Kergoat MJ, Li KZ, et al. Physical functioning is associated with processing speed and executive functions in community-dwelling older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2014;69:837–44.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Voelcker-Rehage C, Godde B, Staudinger UM. Physical and motor fit-ness are both related to cognition in old age. Eur J Neurosci. 2010;31:167–76.CrossRefPubMed Voelcker-Rehage C, Godde B, Staudinger UM. Physical and motor fit-ness are both related to cognition in old age. Eur J Neurosci. 2010;31:167–76.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Wendell CR, Gunstad J, Waldstein SR, Wright JG, Ferrucci L, Zonderman AB. Cardiorespiratory fitness and accelerated cognitive decline with aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014;69:455–62.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Wendell CR, Gunstad J, Waldstein SR, Wright JG, Ferrucci L, Zonderman AB. Cardiorespiratory fitness and accelerated cognitive decline with aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014;69:455–62.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Chang M, Jonsson P, Snaedal J, Bjornsson S, Saczynski JS, Aspelund T, et al. The effect of midlife physical activity on cognitive function among older adults: AGES—Reykjavik Study. J Gerontol A Bio Sci Med Sci. 2010;65:1369–74.CrossRef Chang M, Jonsson P, Snaedal J, Bjornsson S, Saczynski JS, Aspelund T, et al. The effect of midlife physical activity on cognitive function among older adults: AGES—Reykjavik Study. J Gerontol A Bio Sci Med Sci. 2010;65:1369–74.CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Blondell SJ, Hammersley-Mather R, Veerman JL. Does physical activity prevent cognitive decline and dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health. 2014;14:510.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Blondell SJ, Hammersley-Mather R, Veerman JL. Does physical activity prevent cognitive decline and dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health. 2014;14:510.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Colcombe SJ, Kramer F, Erickson KI, Scalf P, McAuley E, Cohen NJ, et al. Cardiovascular fitness, cortical plasticity, and aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004;101:3316–21.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Colcombe SJ, Kramer F, Erickson KI, Scalf P, McAuley E, Cohen NJ, et al. Cardiovascular fitness, cortical plasticity, and aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004;101:3316–21.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Forbes D, Thiessen EJ, Blake CM, Forbes SC, Forbes S. Exercise programs for people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;12:Cd006489.PubMed Forbes D, Thiessen EJ, Blake CM, Forbes SC, Forbes S. Exercise programs for people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;12:Cd006489.PubMed
35.
go back to reference Hamer M, Chida Y. Physical activity and risk of neurodegenerative disease:a systematic review of prospective evidence. Psychol Med. 2009;39:3–11.CrossRefPubMed Hamer M, Chida Y. Physical activity and risk of neurodegenerative disease:a systematic review of prospective evidence. Psychol Med. 2009;39:3–11.CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Kramer AF, Hahn S, Cohen NJ, Banich MT, McAuley E, Harrison CR, et al. Ageing, fitness and neurocognitive function. Nature. 1999;400:418–9.CrossRefPubMed Kramer AF, Hahn S, Cohen NJ, Banich MT, McAuley E, Harrison CR, et al. Ageing, fitness and neurocognitive function. Nature. 1999;400:418–9.CrossRefPubMed
37.
go back to reference Middleton LE, Barnes DE, Lui LY, Yaffe K. Physical activity over the life course and its association with cognitive performance and impairment in old age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2010;58:1322–6.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Middleton LE, Barnes DE, Lui LY, Yaffe K. Physical activity over the life course and its association with cognitive performance and impairment in old age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2010;58:1322–6.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Berchicci M, Lucci G, Di Russo F. Benefits of physical exercise on the aging brain: the role of the prefrontal cortex. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013;68:1337–41.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Berchicci M, Lucci G, Di Russo F. Benefits of physical exercise on the aging brain: the role of the prefrontal cortex. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013;68:1337–41.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
39.
go back to reference Taddei F, Bultrini A, Spinelli D, Di Russo F. Neural correlates of attentional and executive processing in middle-aged fencers. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44:1057–66.CrossRefPubMed Taddei F, Bultrini A, Spinelli D, Di Russo F. Neural correlates of attentional and executive processing in middle-aged fencers. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44:1057–66.CrossRefPubMed
40.
go back to reference Di Russo F, Taddei F, Apnile T, Spinelli D. Neural correlates of fast stimulus discrimination and response selection in top-level fencers. Neurosci Lett. 2006;408:113–8.CrossRefPubMed Di Russo F, Taddei F, Apnile T, Spinelli D. Neural correlates of fast stimulus discrimination and response selection in top-level fencers. Neurosci Lett. 2006;408:113–8.CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference Hillman CH, Kramer AF, Belopolsky AV, Smith DP. A cross-sectional examination of age and physical activity on performance and event-related brain potentials in a task switching paradigm. Int J Psychophysiol. 2006;59:30–9.CrossRefPubMed Hillman CH, Kramer AF, Belopolsky AV, Smith DP. A cross-sectional examination of age and physical activity on performance and event-related brain potentials in a task switching paradigm. Int J Psychophysiol. 2006;59:30–9.CrossRefPubMed
42.
go back to reference Themanson JR, Hillman CH, Curtin JJ. Age and physical activity influences on action monitoring during task switching. Neurobiol Aging. 2006;27:1335–45.CrossRefPubMed Themanson JR, Hillman CH, Curtin JJ. Age and physical activity influences on action monitoring during task switching. Neurobiol Aging. 2006;27:1335–45.CrossRefPubMed
43.
go back to reference Dai CT, Chang YK, Huang CJ, Hung TM. Exercise mode and executive function in older adults: an ERP study of task–switching. Brain Cogn. 2013;83:153–62.CrossRefPubMed Dai CT, Chang YK, Huang CJ, Hung TM. Exercise mode and executive function in older adults: an ERP study of task–switching. Brain Cogn. 2013;83:153–62.CrossRefPubMed
44.
go back to reference Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Lifelong physical activity and executive functions in older age assessed by memory based task switching. Neuropsychologia. 2015;73:195–207.CrossRefPubMed Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Lifelong physical activity and executive functions in older age assessed by memory based task switching. Neuropsychologia. 2015;73:195–207.CrossRefPubMed
45.
go back to reference Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Long-term habitual physical activity is associated with lower distractibility in a Stroop interference task in aging: behavioral and ERP evidence. Brain Cogn. 2015;98:87–101.CrossRefPubMed Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Long-term habitual physical activity is associated with lower distractibility in a Stroop interference task in aging: behavioral and ERP evidence. Brain Cogn. 2015;98:87–101.CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Getzmann S, Falkenstein M, Gajewski PD. Long-term cardiovascular fitness is associated with auditory attentional control in old adults: neuro-behavioral evidence. PLoS One. 2013;8:e74539.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Getzmann S, Falkenstein M, Gajewski PD. Long-term cardiovascular fitness is associated with auditory attentional control in old adults: neuro-behavioral evidence. PLoS One. 2013;8:e74539.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Berryman N, Bherer L, Nadeau S, Lauzière S, Lehr L, Bobeuf F, et al. Multiple roads lead to Rome: combined high-intensity aerobic and strength training vs. gross motor activities leads to equivalent improvement in executive functions in a cohort of healthy older adults. Age. 2014;36:9710.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Berryman N, Bherer L, Nadeau S, Lauzière S, Lehr L, Bobeuf F, et al. Multiple roads lead to Rome: combined high-intensity aerobic and strength training vs. gross motor activities leads to equivalent improvement in executive functions in a cohort of healthy older adults. Age. 2014;36:9710.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
48.
go back to reference Forte R, Boreham CA, Leite JC, De Vito G, Brennan L, Gibney ER, et al. Enhancing cognitive functioning in the elderly: multicomponent vs resistance training. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:19–27.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Forte R, Boreham CA, Leite JC, De Vito G, Brennan L, Gibney ER, et al. Enhancing cognitive functioning in the elderly: multicomponent vs resistance training. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:19–27.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC. Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170:170–8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC. Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170:170–8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
50.
go back to reference Predovan D, Fraser SA, Renaud M, Bherer L. The effect of three months of aerobic training on stroop performance in older adults. J Aging Res. 2012;2012:269815.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Predovan D, Fraser SA, Renaud M, Bherer L. The effect of three months of aerobic training on stroop performance in older adults. J Aging Res. 2012;2012:269815.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
51.
go back to reference Albinet CT, Boucard G, Bouquet CA, Audiffren M. Increased heart rate variability and executive performance after aerobic training in the elderly. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109:617–24.CrossRefPubMed Albinet CT, Boucard G, Bouquet CA, Audiffren M. Increased heart rate variability and executive performance after aerobic training in the elderly. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;109:617–24.CrossRefPubMed
52.
go back to reference Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Basak C, Szabo A, Chaddock L, et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108:3017–22.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Basak C, Szabo A, Chaddock L, et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108:3017–22.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
53.
go back to reference Hindin SB, Zelinski EM. Extended practice and aerobicexercise interventions benefit untrained cognitive outcomes inolder adults: a meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012;60:136–41.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Hindin SB, Zelinski EM. Extended practice and aerobicexercise interventions benefit untrained cognitive outcomes inolder adults: a meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012;60:136–41.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
54.
go back to reference Kirk-Sanchez NJ, McGough EL. Physical exercise and cognitive performance in the elderly: current perspectives. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:51–62.PubMedCentralPubMed Kirk-Sanchez NJ, McGough EL. Physical exercise and cognitive performance in the elderly: current perspectives. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:51–62.PubMedCentralPubMed
55.
go back to reference Niemann C, Godde B, Staudinger UM, Voelcker-Rehage C. Exercise-induced changes in basal ganglia volume and cognition in older adults. Neuroscience. 2014;281:147–63.CrossRef Niemann C, Godde B, Staudinger UM, Voelcker-Rehage C. Exercise-induced changes in basal ganglia volume and cognition in older adults. Neuroscience. 2014;281:147–63.CrossRef
56.
go back to reference Bamidis PD, Vivas AB, Styliadis C, Frantzidis C, Klados M, Schlee W, et al. A review of physical and cognitive interventions in aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014;44:206–20.CrossRefPubMed Bamidis PD, Vivas AB, Styliadis C, Frantzidis C, Klados M, Schlee W, et al. A review of physical and cognitive interventions in aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014;44:206–20.CrossRefPubMed
57.
go back to reference Chapman SB, Aslan S, Spence JS, Defina LF, Keebler MW, Didehbani N, et al. Shorter term aerobic exercise improves brain, cognition, and cardiovascular fitness in aging. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;5:75.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Chapman SB, Aslan S, Spence JS, Defina LF, Keebler MW, Didehbani N, et al. Shorter term aerobic exercise improves brain, cognition, and cardiovascular fitness in aging. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;5:75.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
58.
go back to reference Kleemeyer MM, Kühn S, Prindle J, Bodammer NC, Brechtel L, Garthe A, et al. Changes in fitness are associated with changes in hippocampal microstructure and hippocampal volume among older adults. Neuroimage. 2015. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.11.026. [Epub ahead of print] Kleemeyer MM, Kühn S, Prindle J, Bodammer NC, Brechtel L, Garthe A, et al. Changes in fitness are associated with changes in hippocampal microstructure and hippocampal volume among older adults. Neuroimage. 2015. doi:10.​1016/​j.​neuroimage.​2015.​11.​026. [Epub ahead of print]
59.
go back to reference Gajewski PD, Wipking C, Falkenstein M, Gehlert T. Dortmunder Altersstudie: Studie zur Förderung der Hirnleistungsfähigkeit bei Älteren. Berlin: GDV, Unfallforschung der Versicherer, (Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft 2010, Forschungsbericht; VV04); 2010. Gajewski PD, Wipking C, Falkenstein M, Gehlert T. Dortmunder Altersstudie: Studie zur Förderung der Hirnleistungsfähigkeit bei Älteren. Berlin: GDV, Unfallforschung der Versicherer, (Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft 2010, Forschungsbericht; VV04); 2010.
60.
go back to reference Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Training-induced improvement of response selection and error detection in aging assessed by task switching: effects of cognitive, physical and relaxation training. Front Human Neurosci. 2012;6:130.CrossRef Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Training-induced improvement of response selection and error detection in aging assessed by task switching: effects of cognitive, physical and relaxation training. Front Human Neurosci. 2012;6:130.CrossRef
61.
go back to reference Anderson-Hanley C, Arciero PJ, Brickman AM, Nimon JP, Okuma N, Westen SC, et al. Exergaming and older adult cognition: a cluster randomized clinical trial. Am J Prev Med. 2012;42:109–19.CrossRefPubMed Anderson-Hanley C, Arciero PJ, Brickman AM, Nimon JP, Okuma N, Westen SC, et al. Exergaming and older adult cognition: a cluster randomized clinical trial. Am J Prev Med. 2012;42:109–19.CrossRefPubMed
62.
go back to reference Chao YY, Scherer YK, Montgomery CA. Effects of using Nintendo Wii™ exergames in older adults: a review of the literature. J Aging Health. 2015;27:379–402.CrossRefPubMed Chao YY, Scherer YK, Montgomery CA. Effects of using Nintendo Wii™ exergames in older adults: a review of the literature. J Aging Health. 2015;27:379–402.CrossRefPubMed
63.
go back to reference Kattenstroth JC, Kalisch T, Holt S, Tegenthoff M, Dinse HR. Six months of dance intervention enhances postural, sensorimotor, and cognitive performance in elderly without affecting cardio-respiratory functions. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;26:5. Kattenstroth JC, Kalisch T, Holt S, Tegenthoff M, Dinse HR. Six months of dance intervention enhances postural, sensorimotor, and cognitive performance in elderly without affecting cardio-respiratory functions. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013;26:5.
64.
go back to reference Rehfeld K, Hökelmann A, Kaufmann J, Müller N. Effects of a 6-month dance vs. fitness training on brain plasticity and balance performance in healthy seniors. Magdeburg: Presentation at the Active Healthy Aging Conference; 2015. Rehfeld K, Hökelmann A, Kaufmann J, Müller N. Effects of a 6-month dance vs. fitness training on brain plasticity and balance performance in healthy seniors. Magdeburg: Presentation at the Active Healthy Aging Conference; 2015.
65.
go back to reference Ballesteros S, Kraft E, Santana S, Tziraki C. Maintaining older brain functionality: a targeted review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2015;55:453–77.CrossRefPubMed Ballesteros S, Kraft E, Santana S, Tziraki C. Maintaining older brain functionality: a targeted review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2015;55:453–77.CrossRefPubMed
66.
go back to reference Merom D, Cumming R, Mathieu E, Anstey KJ, Rissel C, Simpson JM, et al. Can social dancing prevent falls in older adults? A protocol of the Dance, Aging, Cognition, Economics (DAnCE) fall prevention randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2013;15:477.CrossRef Merom D, Cumming R, Mathieu E, Anstey KJ, Rissel C, Simpson JM, et al. Can social dancing prevent falls in older adults? A protocol of the Dance, Aging, Cognition, Economics (DAnCE) fall prevention randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2013;15:477.CrossRef
67.
go back to reference Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Lifestyle and interventions for improving cognitive performance in older adults. In: Raab M, Lobinger B, Hoffmann S, Pizzera A, Laborde S, editors. Performance Psychology: Perception, Action, Cognition, and Emotion. Oxford: Elsevier; 2015. p. 189–203. Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M. Lifestyle and interventions for improving cognitive performance in older adults. In: Raab M, Lobinger B, Hoffmann S, Pizzera A, Laborde S, editors. Performance Psychology: Perception, Action, Cognition, and Emotion. Oxford: Elsevier; 2015. p. 189–203.
68.
go back to reference Hötting K, Röder B. Beneficial effects of physical exercise on neuroplasticity and cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013;37:2243–57.CrossRefPubMed Hötting K, Röder B. Beneficial effects of physical exercise on neuroplasticity and cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013;37:2243–57.CrossRefPubMed
69.
go back to reference Maillot P, Perrot A, Hartley A. Effects of interactive physical-activity video-game training on physical and cognitive function in older adults. Psychol Aging. 2012;27:589–600.CrossRefPubMed Maillot P, Perrot A, Hartley A. Effects of interactive physical-activity video-game training on physical and cognitive function in older adults. Psychol Aging. 2012;27:589–600.CrossRefPubMed
70.
go back to reference Mortimer JA, Ding D, Borenstein AR, DeCarli C, Guo Q, Wu Y, et al. Changes in brain volume and cognition in a randomized trial of exerciseand social interaction in a community-based sample of non-demented Chineseelders. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;30:757–66.PubMedCentralPubMed Mortimer JA, Ding D, Borenstein AR, DeCarli C, Guo Q, Wu Y, et al. Changes in brain volume and cognition in a randomized trial of exerciseand social interaction in a community-based sample of non-demented Chineseelders. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;30:757–66.PubMedCentralPubMed
71.
go back to reference Eskes GA, Longman S, Brown AD, McMorris CA, Langdon KD, Hogan DB, et al. Contribution of physical fitness, cerebrovascular reserve andcognitive stimulation to cognitive function in post-menopausal women. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010;2:137.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Eskes GA, Longman S, Brown AD, McMorris CA, Langdon KD, Hogan DB, et al. Contribution of physical fitness, cerebrovascular reserve andcognitive stimulation to cognitive function in post-menopausal women. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010;2:137.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
72.
go back to reference Karp A, Paillard-Borg S, Wang H-X, Silverstein M, Winblad B, Fratiglioni L. Mental, physical and social components in leisure activities equally con-tribute to decrease dementia risk. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2006;21:65–73.CrossRefPubMed Karp A, Paillard-Borg S, Wang H-X, Silverstein M, Winblad B, Fratiglioni L. Mental, physical and social components in leisure activities equally con-tribute to decrease dementia risk. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2006;21:65–73.CrossRefPubMed
73.
go back to reference Oswald WD, Gunzelmann T, Rupprecht R, Hagen B. Differentialeffects of single versus combined cognitive and physical training with olderadults: the SimA study in a 5-year perspective. Eur J Ageing. 2006;3:179–92.CrossRef Oswald WD, Gunzelmann T, Rupprecht R, Hagen B. Differentialeffects of single versus combined cognitive and physical training with olderadults: the SimA study in a 5-year perspective. Eur J Ageing. 2006;3:179–92.CrossRef
74.
go back to reference Fabre C, Chamari K, Mucci P, Massé-Biron J, Préfaut C. Improvement of cognitive function by mental and/or individualized aerobic training in healthy elderly subjects. Int J Sports Med. 2002;23:415–21.CrossRefPubMed Fabre C, Chamari K, Mucci P, Massé-Biron J, Préfaut C. Improvement of cognitive function by mental and/or individualized aerobic training in healthy elderly subjects. Int J Sports Med. 2002;23:415–21.CrossRefPubMed
75.
go back to reference Theill N, Schumacher V, Adelsberger R, Martin M, Jäncke L. Effects of simultaneously performed cognitive and physical training in older adults. BMC Neurosci. 2013;14:103.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Theill N, Schumacher V, Adelsberger R, Martin M, Jäncke L. Effects of simultaneously performed cognitive and physical training in older adults. BMC Neurosci. 2013;14:103.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
76.
go back to reference Eggenberger P, Schumacher V, Angst M, Theill N, de Bruin ED. Does multicomponent physical exercise with simultaneous cognitive training boost cognitive performance in older adults? A 6-month randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1335–49.PubMedCentralPubMed Eggenberger P, Schumacher V, Angst M, Theill N, de Bruin ED. Does multicomponent physical exercise with simultaneous cognitive training boost cognitive performance in older adults? A 6-month randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1335–49.PubMedCentralPubMed
77.
go back to reference Kraft E. Cognitive function, physical activity, and aging: possible biological links and implications for multimodal interventions. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2012;19:248–63.CrossRefPubMed Kraft E. Cognitive function, physical activity, and aging: possible biological links and implications for multimodal interventions. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2012;19:248–63.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Physical activity and neurocognitive functioning in aging - a condensed updated review
Authors
Patrick D. Gajewski
Michael Falkenstein
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-016-0161-3

Other articles of this Issue 1/2016

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 1/2016 Go to the issue