The association between physical performance, brainwave activity, and cognitive function in urban community-dwelling older adults
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Abstract
Background: The aging population faces significant challenges related to cognitive decline and dementia, which negatively impact quality of life and impose a burden on families and healthcare systems. Physical fitness and electroencephalography (EEG) are pivotal in addressing these issues, as regular physical activity not only improves overall health but also supports cognitive function, potentially delaying cognitive decline. This study investigates the relationship between physical fitness, brainwave activity, and dementia in urban elderly communities, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to combat these challenges.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 40 older adults from the Senanives Community Project 1 in Bangkok, selected through purposive random sampling with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were assessed for cognitive health using the MSET10, physical fitness through the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), and brainwave activity via EEG. Safety measures and clear explanations ensured accurate data collection. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the relationships between physical fitness, brainwave activity, and dementia risk at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: It was found that the older adults had MSET10 scores indicating mild cognitive impairment. Significant correlations were found between dementia and physical fitness components, including flexibility (r=0.41, p<0.01), agility (r=-0.33, p=0.01), and cardiorespiratory endurance (r=0.34, p<0.01). Beta2 EEG activity in the right occipital lobe (r=0.26, p=0.05), as well as Delta2 and Beta2 activity in the right central lobe (r=-0.33 and r=0.34, p=0.01 for both), were linked to dementia. Additionally, Beta2 brainwaves in the left frontal lobe (r=0.31, p<0.05) and Delta2 and Beta2 brainwaves in the right frontal lobe (r=-0.28 and r=0.31, p<0.05 for both) showed significant associations with cognitive function.
Conclusion: In summary, the relationship between physical fitness, electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, and cognitive impairment in older adults highlights several key components: flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and agility. These factors have a significant influence on the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, beta2 and delta2 brain waves are associated with cognitive impairment, as they are related to attention and memory. Therefore, exercise programs should be designed to enhance these aspects of physical fitness in order to prevent cognitive decline and stimulate brain function.
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