The Effects of Single Exercise Sessions on Cognitive Flexibility and Brain Functional Connectivity in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: To investigate the effects of different forms (physical and mental, aerobic and resistance) of single exercise on the cognitive flexibility and brain functional connectivity of elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Clinical trail Methods: This study employed a single-blind, multi-center randomized controlled trial. Sixty elderly individuals with cognitive impairment were recruited and randomly divided into the Qigong group (15 participants), the brisk walking group (15 participants), the elastic band group (15 participants), and the control group (15 participants). Before and after the intervention, 5-minute resting-state electroencephalogram signals were collected and cognitive flexibility tests were conducted. The Qigong group, the brisk walking group, and the elastic band group received single sessions of Qigong, brisk walking, and elastic band exercises respectively, while the control group received health education. The exercise intensity was moderate (target heart rate was 64%-76% of the maximum heart rate), and the exercise duration was 30 minutes.