Effect of integrative exercise on cognitive function and the fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

Objective: The aging population often faces challenges related to cognitive decline and an increased risk of falls, both of which can severely impact quality of life. Integrative exercises, combining physical, cognitive, and breathing elements, have been proposed as a potential intervention to mitigate these issues. This study explores the effect of integrative exercise on cognitive function and the fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants aged 60 – 80 years old, who were randomly assigned to either an integrative exercise group (n=30) or a traditional exercise group (n=30) for 6 weeks three days a week. Cognitive function was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while the fear of falling was measured through the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Between-group differences were tested with an independent samples t-test.

Results: Results indicated that participants in the integrative exercise group showed significant improvements in both cognitive performance (p < 0.01) and a reduction in fear of falling (p < 0.01) compared to those in the traditional exercise group. These findings suggest that integrative exercise, which includes components such as balance training, Thai - Chinese traditional exercise and cognitive tasks, may enhance both cognitive health and psychological well-being in older adults.

 Conclusion: The potential for integrative exercise programs to serve as effective, multidimensional interventions in promoting the reduction of fall-related injuries in older adults is evident. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this intervention.