Golf, hiking and Nordic walking can improve cognitive function in older adults

An international team of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Edinburgh and ETH Zurich set out to investigate the immediate effects of three different cognitively demanding aerobic exercises on cognition and related biological responses in older, healthy adults.

The study involved 25 healthy older golfers aged 65 years and over who took part in three different acute bouts of aerobic exercise: an 18-hole round of golf, a 6km Nordic walking session and a 6km regular walking session. Each exercise was performed in a realistic environment, with participants maintaining their typical pace, which is equivalent to brisk walking.

Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B, a commonly used tool for evaluating cognitive function in older adults. The TMT-A test measures lower cognitive functions, such as attention and processing speed, while the TMT-B test measures more demanding executive functions, such as the ability to switch tasks. In addition, blood samples were collected to measure the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB). Both have been suggested to reflect the benefits of exercise in the brain. Participants also wore fitness monitoring devices to record exercise-specific data such as distance, duration, pace, energy expenditure and steps. An ECG sensor with chest strap was used to measure heart rate.

The study showed that a single session of one of three exercises – 18 holes of golf, 6 km of Nordic walking or 6 km of normal walking – improved lower cognitive function as measured by the TMT-A test in older adults, although no Significant effects were observed on the levels of BDNF and CTSB. Furthermore, Nordic walking and regular walking were associated with improved executive functions measured with the TMT-B test.

Previous research has shown the potential cognitive benefits of acute bouts of aerobic exercise, with factors such as exercise intensity, duration and type influencing the degree of improvement.

“These findings underscore the value of age-appropriate aerobic exercise, such as golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking, in maintaining and improving cognitive function in older adults. Previous research has shown that exercise also shows promise as a potential strategy for people who suffer from cognitive problems.” decrease,” says Julia Kettinen, the first author of the article and doctoral researcher in sports and exercise medicine at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland.