A new study found that regular stretching and balance and range of motion exercises are as good as aerobic exercises in slowing the process of mild cognitive decline.
The study, presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego, examined 296 participants who were completely sedentary at the beginning of the experiment. All the participants had also been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
Laura Baker, author of the study, said: “Individuals who have mild cognitive impairment are not cognitively normal, but they don’t have dementia.
“They’re fully capable of taking care of themselves, but what they have to go through is exhausting.
“They’re able to regroup in the early stages and accomplish things, but the toll is immense.”
Participants in the study underwent cognitive testing and they were divided into two groups.
One group did moderate-intensity aerobic training on treadmills and stationary bikes, while the other group did stretching, balance and range of motion exercises.
“Folks in the balance-range of motion group said they were thrilled – they could go to soccer games with grandchildren without being concerned about tripping, or they could drive and turn their neck to see back, which they had not been able to do before,” said Baker.
Both groups exercised twice a week with a personal trainer and two more times weekly on their own for 12 months.
At the end of the year, cognitive function had not declined in either group, which showed that stretching was as good as aerobic exercises.
With numerous studies showing that social support improves brain health, the results of the study may be due to an increase of social support.
Baker said: “There is enough science showing the benefits of exercise on brain health alone. So this is not something to sweep under the carpet.
“And our recommendation would never be for people with mild cognitive impairment to do this alone. They are going to need support. So exercise alone is not a prescription. Exercise with support is a prescription, and that is going to be our recommendation.”
