Physical activity influence on older people’s cognitive functions: analysis of clinical trials

Aim of the study: the analysis of scientific papers investigations to determine the different effects of physical activity for older people's cognitive functions. Methods: This article analyzes were included trials was assessed the effect of physical activity on cognitive function, cognitive function was assessed Stroop test, subjects older than 60 years, studies have been conducted over the last 11 years (2006 - 2017 m.m.). The study did not include review articles. Studies were searched PubMed and EBSCO databases in English. Articles have been carefully read and consider, and then selected according to the required criteria. Articles analysis was compared cognitive test results depending on the different nature of physical activity and duration. The comparison was made Stroop test reaction time difference before and after workouts. Results: Articles were selected for analysis of 9 studies that met the selection criteria. The articles were examined 249 subjects aged 79.96 ± 5.13 years. When analyzing the different types of training, regardless of their length, found that aerobic training had the greatest impact on reaction time test, effect size set high (r = 0.6). Less effect was combined, the mean effect size (r = 0.4), while the lowest strength training (r = 0.2). Analyzing the various length workout, regardless of their nature, it was found that a 12-week training had the greatest impact, the effect size set high (r = 1.0). Also, high impact four-week exercise, the effect sizes are set to high (r = 0.9) and the 16-week training (r = 0.6). The lower impact had 12 months of training, the effect size of a small (r = 0.2), while the lowest of 24 weeks of training (r = 0.1). Conclusions: 1. The greatest impact on older people's cognitive functions were aerobic workout regardless of the duration. 2. The greatest impact on older people's cognitive functions were applied in training for 12 weeks, regardless of their nature. 3. Older people's cognitive function has changed the most through 12 weeks of aerobic training, 3 times a week, 1 hour per day