De Oliveira et al (2023) A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of a three-month aquatic exercise program on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. Cognitive aging, characterized by declines in problem-solving, memory, and attention, can affect independence and quality of life. The study involved 31 participants, divided into experimental (aquatic exercise) and control (no exercise) groups, with cognitive functions measured using Raven’s Progressive Matrices and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Key findings revealed significant improvements in cognitive performance among the aquatic exercise group. The Raven’s test scores increased from 22.5 to 25.7, indicating enhanced abstract reasoning abilities. Similarly, the Wisconsin test showed fewer errors and improved problem-solving efficiency in the experimental group. These improvements were attributed to the combination of physical and cognitive challenges integrated into the aquatic exercise protocol.

The program utilized water’s unique properties, such as buoyancy and resistance, to create a safe and effective environment for older adults. Activities included motor-cognitive tasks like recalling sequences or categorizing items while performing exercises. While the results underscore the benefits of aquatic exercise in stimulating cognitive function, the study calls for further research to validate findings and explore long-term effects.