A recent pilot clinical trial explored the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on brain health in middle-aged and older adults. The study involved 26 participants, with 24 completing all assessments. Researchers monitored heart rates and sleep using wearable devices and found significant improvements in cognitive performance. Participants showed an increase in maximal oxygen consumption from 21.11 to 22.39 mL/kg/min, indicating better aerobic fitness. Total cognitive performance also improved from 111.1 to 115.2, showcasing a notable effect size of 0.49.
While the exercise regimen positively impacted cognitive function and physical fitness, it did not significantly alter sleep architecture or brain age index (BAIT). These findings suggest that moderate aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive abilities and aerobic fitness but may not directly improve sleep quality or brain age in this demographic.
This study highlights the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for brain health, though further research is needed to explore its long-term effects.
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