Effects of Water Aerobics and Deep Water Running on Cognition in Older Adults: A Pragmatic Study

Resumo

Abstract: This study compared the effects of water aerobics (HIDRO) and deep-water running (DWR) on global cognition and cognitive domains in physically active older adults. This quasi-experimental pragmatic trial included 92 community-dwelling older adults allocated to HIDRO (n = 42) or DWR (n = 50). The intervention lasted 36 weeks, with two 45-minute sessions per week. Cognitive function was assessed before and after the intervention using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment (α < 0.05). No significant time × group interaction was observed, indicating similar responses between groups. A significant time effect was found for the visuospatial/executive domain, with improvements in both groups (p = 0.007). Global cognition and the naming, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation domains remained stable. These findings suggest that both aquatic exercise modalities produced similar cognitive responses and may contribute to maintaining cognitive performance in physically active older adults.

Keywords: Aging. Aquatic Exercise. Cognition. Physical Fitness. Endurance Training. Resistance Training.