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Divandari N, Bird ML, Vakili M, Jaberzadeh S. The association between dynamic balance and executive function: Which dynamic balance test has the strongest association with executive function? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:151-161. [PMID: 38730213 PMCID: PMC11143012 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aging global population poses increasing challenges related to falls and dementia. Early identification of cognitive decline, particularly before noticeable symptoms manifest, is crucial for effective intervention. This review aims to determine the dynamic balance test most closely associated with executive function, potentially serving as a biomarker for cognitive decline. RECENT FINDINGS Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a component of executive function, holds significance in influencing balance performance. Studies suggest that the strength of the correlation between cognition and balance tends to be domain-specific and task-specific. Despite these findings, inconclusive evidence remains regarding the connection between executive function and various dynamic balance assessments. Our review identifies a significant association between all dynamic balance tests and executive function, albeit with varying strengths. Notably, a medium effect size is observed for the Timed Up and Go and Functional Reach Test, a small effect size for balance scales, and a strong effect size for postural sway. This review underscores a clear relationship between dynamic balance task performance and executive function. Dynamic posturography holds potential as a clinical biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline, with a note of caution due to observed heterogeneity and limited studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Divandari
- Monash Neuromodulation Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, PO Box 527, Melbourne, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia.
| | - Marie-Louise Bird
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Newnham Tasmania, 7248, Australia
| | | | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Monash Neuromodulation Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, PO Box 527, Melbourne, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia
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Li Y, Wang F, Li J, Huo X, Zhang Y. Aerobic exercise improves verbal working memory sub-processes in adolescents: behavioral evidence from an N-back task. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17331. [PMID: 38708349 PMCID: PMC11067889 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on working memory (WM) have mainly concentrated on the overall effects, yet there is little knowledge on how moderate intensity aerobic exercise impacts the sub-processes of verbal WM (VWM) in adolescents. To address this gap, two experiments were conducted to explore the influence of aerobic exercise on the maintenance and updating sub-processes of VWM. Methods In Experiment 1, a mixed experimental design of 2 (exercise habit: high vs. low) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) was used to compare VWM and its sub-processes in 40 adolescents. In Experiment 2, a 2 (group: intervention vs. control) × 3 (time point: pretest vs. 1st post-test vs. 18th post-test) × 3 (memory load: 0-back vs. 1-back vs. 2-back) mixed experimental design was used to investigate the acute and long-term effects of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on VWM and its sub-processes in 24 adolescents with low exercise habits. Results The results of Experiment 1 showed that VWM performance and its sub-processes in the high exercise habit group were better than those in the low exercise habit group. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the effects of the long-term exercise intervention were superior to those of the acute exercise intervention, and both were superior to the pretest. Meanwhile, it was found that aerobic exercise intervention had a greater effect size on the updating sub-process of VWM. Conclusion In conclusion, the results indicated that moderate intensity aerobic exercise could enhance the performance of VWM and its sub-processes in adolescents, and long-term intervention showed greater improvement effects compared to acute intervention, especially in the updating sub-process of VWM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Psychology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
- Center for Brain, Mind and Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Psychology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
- Center for Brain, Mind and Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingfan Li
- Department of Psychology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
- Center for Brain, Mind and Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xing Huo
- Department of Physical Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
- Center for Brain, Mind and Education, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Psychology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province, China
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Brinkhof LP, Ridderinkhof KR, Murre JMJ, Krugers HJ, de Wit S. Improving goal striving and resilience in older adults through a personalized metacognitive self-help intervention: a protocol paper. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:223. [PMID: 37542308 PMCID: PMC10403928 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful aging is often linked to individual's ability to demonstrate resilience: the maintenance or quick recovery of functional ability, well-being, and quality of life despite losses or adversity. A crucial element of resilience is behavioral adaptability, which refers to the adaptive changes in behavior in accordance with internal or external demands. Age-related degradation of executive functions can, however, lead to volition problems that compromise flexible adjustment of behavior. In contrast, the reliance on habitual control has been shown to remain relatively intact in later life and may therefore provide an expedient route to goal attainment among older adults. In the current study, we examine whether a metacognitive self-help intervention (MCSI), aimed at facilitating goal striving through the gradual automatization of efficient routines, could effectively support behavioral adaptability in favor of resilience among older adults with and without (sub-clinical) mental health problems. METHODS This metacognitive strategy draws on principles from health and social psychology, as well as clinical psychology, and incorporates elements of established behavioral change and activation techniques from both fields. Additionally, the intervention will be tailored to personal needs and challenges, recognizing the significant diversity that exist among aging individuals. DISCUSSION Despite some challenges that may limit the generalizability of the results, our MCSI program offers a promising means to empower older adults with tools and strategies to take control of their goals and challenges. This can promote autonomy and independent functioning, and thereby contribute to adaptability and resilience in later life. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pre-registered, partly retrospectively. This study was pre-registered before the major part of the data was collected, created, and realized. Only a small part of the data of some participants (comprising the baseline and other pre-intervention measures), and the full dataset of the first few participants, was collected prior to registration, but it was not accessed yet. See: https://osf.io/5b9xz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte P Brinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - K Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J Murre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Wit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain & Cognition (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Shaw JS, Hosseini SMH. The Effect of Baseline Performance and Age on Cognitive Training Improvements in Older Adults: A Qualitative Review. JPAD-JOURNAL OF PREVENTION OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE 2020; 8:100-109. [PMID: 33336231 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2020.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Findings that the brain is capable of plasticity up until old age have led to interest in the use of cognitive training as a potential intervention to delay the onset of dementia. However, individuals participating in training regimens differ greatly with respect to their outcomes, demonstrating the importance of considering individual differences, in particular age and baseline performance in a cognitive domain, when evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive training. In this review, we summarize existing literature on cognitive training in adults across the domains of episodic memory, working memory and the task-switching component of executive functioning to clarify the picture on the impact of age and baseline performance on cognitive training-related improvements. Studies targeting episodic memory induced greater improvements in younger adults with more intact cognitive abilities, explained in part by factors specific to episodic memory training. By contrast, older, lower baseline performance adults improved most in several studies targeting working memory in older individuals as well as in the majority of studies targeting executive functioning, suggesting the preservation of neural plasticity in these domains until very old age. Our findings can have important implications for informing the design of future interventions for enhancing cognitive functions in individuals at the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's Disease and potentially delaying the clinical onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Future research should more clearly stratify individuals according to their baseline cognitive abilities and assign specialized, skill-specific cognitive training regimens in order to directly answer the question of how individual differences impact training effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Shaw
- SM Hadi Hosseini, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA 94305-5795, USA, Tel: (650) 723-5798,
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Pressman PS, Noniyeva Y, Bott N, Dutt S, Sturm V, Miller BL, Kramer JH. Comparing Volume Loss in Neuroanatomical Regions of Emotion versus Regions of Cognition in Healthy Aging. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158187. [PMID: 27552103 PMCID: PMC4994935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many emotional functions are relatively preserved in aging despite declines in several cognitive domains and physical health. High levels of happiness exist even among centenarians. To address the hypothesis of whether preservation of emotional function in healthy aging may relate to different rates of age-related volume loss across brain structures, we performed two volumetric analyses on structural magnetic resonance neuroimaging of a group of healthy aging research participants using Freesurfer version 5.1. Volumes selected as supporting cognition included bilateral midfrontal and lateral frontal gyri, lateral parietal and temporal cortex, and medial temporal lobes. Volumes supporting emotion included bilateral amygdala, rostral anterior cingulate, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using structural MRI scans from 258 subjects. We found no difference in proportional change between groups. A longitudinal mixed effects model was used to compare regional changes over time in a subset of 84 subjects. Again, there was no difference in proportional change over time. While our results suggest that aging does not collectively target cognitive brain regions more than emotional regions, subgroup analysis suggests relative preservation of the anterior cingulate cortex, with greater volume loss in the nucleus accumbens. Implications of these relative rates of age-related volume loss in healthy aging are discussed and merit further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S. Pressman
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Yuliana Noniyeva
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Nick Bott
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Shubir Dutt
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Virginia Sturm
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Bruce L. Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, California, 94158, United States of America
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