Sport, memory, cognitive performance: study investigates training effects in old age

The 3rd Kassel Falls Prevention Study, funded by the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport, has been running at the Institute of Sport and Sports Science since the beginning of September 2023. A total of 96 senior citizens from Kassel and the surrounding area are taking part in the study. Lisa Claußen, research assistant at the Department of Exercise and Movement Science, and her supervisor, head of the department Prof. Dr. Armin Kibele, are investigating the effects of various forms of exercise on the cognitive performance of older people.

An earlier study by the researchers showed that strength training on unstable surfaces leads to an improvement in memory performance and quick thinking; however, comparable effects were not observed with strength training on stable surfaces - for example on machines. This will be investigated further in the training study now underway. The main novelty is that pure balance training is also being investigated. The implementation and investigation of pure balance training is intended to expand the previous study results as part of the Kassel fall prevention project.

To this end, the researchers are now conducting a 10-week training study to investigate the effects of the three different training programs on cognitive and physical performance. The test subjects, all over the age of 65, were randomly assigned to one of the three training groups. The groups strength training on equipment and strength training on unstable surfaces were taken over from the previous study. Balance training extends the previous Kassel research. Here, the participants assume various standing positions (e.g. standing on both legs and one leg), also on unstable surfaces, which are changed or exchanged during the course of the training. While maintaining their balance, they are asked to close their eyes or catch and throw a ball, among other things. Over a period of ten weeks, they train under the guidance and supervision of trained trainers.

"In this study, we specifically want to find out what role task complexity and coordinator play in training for cognitive functions and cognitive performance," explains Lisa Claußen. In balance training, the muscular intensity is rather low, but the task demands are high. Strength training on unstable surfaces, on the other hand, is characterized by both a high muscular intensity and a high task demand.

In collaboration with the Department of Sport and Health at Paderborn University, the brain activity of senior citizens during cognitive tasks on the computer is also measured before and after the training phase using an EEG. Spatial-visual perception and three executive functions of the brain are tested: working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Participants have to solve different types of tasks. For example, they have to memorize series of numbers or try to control impulsive reactions to unknown stimuli - a typical task consists of naming the font color instead of reading out the written color word (so-called "Stroop-Colour-Word Test"). The researchers then determine cognitive performance (and its change) mainly on the basis of two indicators: the number of errors and the reaction time.

In addition, the participants are subjected to motor tests; these tasks involve hand strength, leg strength, walking behavior and balance. "The overarching aim of our research is to improve the quality of life of older people and promote their physical and cognitive health," emphasizes Claußen. "The results of this training study could help to develop new approaches to achieve this."

Contact:

Lisa Claußen
University of Kassel
Institute of Sport and Sport Science
Phone: +49 561 804-5398
Email: lisa.claussen[at]uni-kassel[dot]de