Biomarker and cognitive improvements for MCI patients after neuro-exergaming: Pedal and play for brain health (iPACES v2.5 and 2.75)

There is a dementia epidemic that is affecting the older adult population, and researchers are exploring accessible ways to ameliorate the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Non-pharmacological interventions such as interactive physical and cognitive exercise are being investigated to understand the physiological and cognitive effects in older adults. Twenty-seven older adults were enrolled in a single-bout neuro-exergaming intervention of the interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACESv2.0), a neuro-exergame that consists of pedaling an under-desk elliptical while playing an interactive video game. The study explores the cognitive and biomarker outcomes in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The intervention featured a neuropsychological battery and salivary analysis to measure changes in executive function and biomarkers associated with neuroplasticity. Analyses revealed a significant increase in executive function and salivary alpha-amylase in the MCI population, suggesting cognitive improvements occurred after the intervention. This study provides encouraging preliminary support for the use of interactive exergaming interventions as clinical treatments to ameliorate the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.https://digitalworks.union.edu/srps_2020/1008/thumbnail.jp