A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol to Test the Efficacy of a Dual-Task Multicomponent Exercise Program vs. a Simple Program on Cognitive and Fitness Performance in Elderly People.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of improve the life quality in elderly people is well-known. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and cognitive training programs, as well as their combination on the cognitive functions and physical capacities in women over 80 years old. METHODS: Forty-three women took part in this study (80.86 ± 5.03 years). They were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Experimental group 1 performed cognitive training. Experimental group 2 did physical-cognitive training, and Experimental Group 3 accomplished physical training. All of training programs had duration of eight weeks (five sessions of 60 min per week). We measured cognitive variables with the Stroop test, D2 test, and Trail Making test. Physical variables were measured with handgrip strength, Minute Step Test, and visual-acoustic reaction time. RESULTS: Control group reduces his physical and cognitive capacities, while the three experimental groups increase these capacities. We found a strong correlation between the increase of physical and cognitive capacities. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of training physical, cognitive or mixed, increased physical and cognitive functions of elderly people which may reduce the negative effects of the aging process.

Efectos de la soledad en la salud de las personas mayores / Effects of loneliness on the health of the elderly

OBJETIVOS: Identificar las consecuencias del sentimiento de soledad en la salud psicológica y física de las personas mayores. METODOLOGÍA: Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed y Web of Science. Se obtuvieron más de 2400 resultados en las búsquedas, de los cuales se seleccionaron 10 artículos que cumplían los criterios de selección establecidos. RESULTADOS: Se identifican como consecuencias del sentimiento de soledad en la salud de las personas mayores la presencia de trastornos psicológicos (ansiedad y depresión); también es un factor predictor de deterioro cognitivo y produce un mayor riesgo de mortalidad, entre otros. CONCLUSIONES: Dados los efectos tan negativos de la soledad en las personas mayores, es necesario realizar un abordaje preventivo y multidisciplinar para minimizar las alteraciones en la salud

OBJECTIVES: Identify the consequences of the feeling of loneliness in the psychological and physical health of the elderly. METHODOLOGY: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were consulted. We obtained more than 2400 results in the searches from which 10 articles were selected that met the established selection criteria. RESULTS: Psychological disorders (as anxiety and depression) are identified as consequence of the feeling of loneliness in the health of the elderly, is too a predictive factor of cognitive impairment and producing a greater risk of mortality, among other. CONCLUSIONS: Given the negative effects of loneliness in the elderly, it is necessary to carry out a preventive and multidisciplinary approach to minimize alterations in health