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The Impact of Cluster vs Traditional Power Training on Cognition in Healthy Older Adults
Location: 4
Mentor: Dr. Joseph Signorile
To compare the effects of cluster- vs traditional-power training on changes in executive function (EF) or Verbal Memory (VM) following a 12-week intervention. Twenty-six participants were recruited from a university population and individuals residing in surrounding neighborhoods. Data collected pertaining to cognition included the NIH Cognitive Toolbox (NCT), Trail Making Assessment Parts A and B (TM-A & TM-B), and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) following a 12-week regimen. For all tests, separate 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted with pairwise comparisons reported as mean differences ± standard errors; p-value. Time effects were seen for the NCT Dimensional Change Card Sort (F(1,24) = 4.642, p = .041) and the Picture Sequence Memory Test (F(1,24) = 5.161, p = .032) with significant improvements in each (6.095 ± 2.829 and 6.988 ± 3.076). Although no significant main effects or interactions were detected for the TM-A or TMT-B, significant time effects were seen for the total recall (F(1,24) = 7.190, p = .013), delayed recall (F (1,24) = 30.165, p < .001), percent retained (F(1,24) = 5.168.807, p = .007) and the discrimination index (F (1,24) = 4.608, p = .042) with significant improvements in each: (.854 ± .318; 1.883 ± .343; .111 ± .037; .631 ± .294, respectively). Results indicate that 12-week CS and traditional power training interventions can produce improvements in EF and VM in healthy older adults. These data provide practitioners and clinicians with effective and unique training modalities to combat the cognitive decline experienced with aging.
