This study aims to investigate the acute effects of single-session different forms of aerobic exercise (brisk walking and Baduanjin) on inhibitory function and resting-state EEG power in older adults with cognitive impairment, providing scientific evidence for developing exercise intervention programs for this population. Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following core questions: 1. Can a single session of brisk walking and a single session of Baduanjin exercise improve reaction time and accuracy on the Stroop color-word task in older adults with cognitive impairment? 2. Are there differential effects on inhibitory function between the two exercise modalities? 3. Does a single exercise session induce immediate changes in resting-state EEG power spectrum across multiple frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β)? 4. Are changes in resting-state EEG power associated with improvements in inhibitory function? Forty-five older adults with cognitive impairment will be randomly assigned to three groups (n=15 each): brisk walking group, Baduanjin group, and control group (quiet seated rest). Participants in the brisk walking and Baduanjin groups will each perform a single 30-minute moderate-intensity exercise session. All participants will complete the Stroop color-word task (assessing reaction time and accuracy under both congruent and incongruent conditions) and undergo a 5-minute eyes-closed resting-state EEG recording before and immediately after the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
The brisk walking protocol was designed in accordance with the standards promulgated by the General Administration of Sport of China in 2017. The Baduanjin exercise was based on the "Health Qigong · Baduanjin" protocol promulgated by the General Administration of Sport of China in 2003.
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, China
Change in Inhibitory Function Assessed by the Stroop Color-Word Test
Inhibitory function will be assessed using the Stroop color-word test. Participants are required to name the color of the ink while inhibiting the automatic tendency to read the word. The outcome measure is the change from baseline in accuracy rate (%) under both congruent and incongruent conditions immediately post-intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (approximately 30 minutes after the exercise session)
Change in Inhibitory Function Assessed by the Stroop Color-Word Test
Inhibitory function will be assessed using the Stroop color-word test. Participants are required to name the color of the ink while inhibiting the automatic tendency to read the word. The outcome measure is the change from baseline in reaction time (milliseconds) under both congruent and incongruent conditions immediately post-intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (approximately 30 minutes after the exercise session
Change in Resting-State EEG Power Spectrum
Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) will be recorded for 5 minutes with eyes closed. The outcome measure is the change from baseline in absolute power across multiple frequency bands: delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (12-30 Hz). EEG power will be calculated for five brain regions (frontal, central, temporal, parietal, and occipital).
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (approximately 30 minutes after the exercise session)
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