Agility Training on Physical Performance, Cognitive Function and Brain Activities in Elderly

The Effects of Agility Training and Its Relations on Physical Performance, Cognitive Function and Brain Activities in Elderly

Agility comprised of cognitive and physical functions, which influences whole-body movement with change of speed and direction. Agility training is widely used in athletes, and recent studies have begun to apply it into the elderly. Agility training is multidimensional and highly functional, which makes it possible to provide more efficient training in limited time. In elderly, the decrement of cognitive function, muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs, the percentage of body fat, body flexibility and endurance caused by aging will make it difficult for the elderly to perform movements. Therefore, it is essential to explore whether agility training can achieve the improvement of the physical function and cognitive function in elderly, and to find the relationship between the two functions and brain activity. Method: This study will recruit 60 participants, and randomly allocate to control group and agility training. The training groups will have 8 weeks of training, 2 times a week, 45 minutes of training each time. Assessment will be performed before and after intervention in 1-week, and with 1-month follow-up. Assessment including agility ability, physical function, cognitive function, brain activity, and functional assessment scales.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. older than 65 years old
2. score of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 24
3. able to walk independently for more than 30 meters without assistive aids
4. able to follow orders

Exclusion Criteria:

1. poorly controlled or unstable systematic disease
2. has a history of central nervous system disease
3. currently taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or other psychiatric drugs that may affect blood flow in the brain
4. has other medical conditions for which exercise is contraindicated; (5) subjects with achromatopsia.