Feasibility and exploratory cognitive outcomes of three exercise modalities in oldest-old adults in assisted living facilities: A 24-week pilot randomized controlled trial.
J Affect DisordMay 5, 2026 (epub)
Yiming Tao, Huiru Wang, Zhihao Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercises on cognitive function in 76 residents aged ≥80 in an assisted living facility over 24 weeks. The study found that both aerobic and mind-body exercises significantly improved cognitive scores compared to a control group, with aerobic exercise enhancing TMT-B performance by 25.66 seconds.
Key findings
- Aerobic exercise improved MMSE scores by 3.45 points compared to control (p Holm = 0.0481).
- Mind-body exercise increased ISR scores by 9.84 points compared to control (p Holm = 0.0234).
- Aerobic exercise enhanced TMT-B performance by 25.66 seconds compared to control (p Holm = 0.0137).
- Mean exercise attendance was 90.1%, indicating high feasibility.
Why it matters
Cognitive decline is prevalent in older adults, particularly in assisted living settings. This study suggests that specific exercise modalities can enhance cognitive function, potentially improving quality of life for this vulnerable population.