Influência da atividade física aeróbica regular no desenvolvimento cognitivo em idosos

Abstract

In the last years Brazilian elderly population has been growing significantly. Ageing is a natural and inevitable process that is associated to a progressive damage of function of several systems, from which cognitive functions stands out. One of the factors that influence in this process is lifestyle, such as sedentarism. Physical activity has been widely indicated as an alternative strategy for health promotion in elderly people. The purpose of this narrative review was to compile and discuss evidence in the literature from the last twenty years about the effects of regular aerobic physical activity program on elderly cognitive function with or without cognitive damage. Were selected studies related to the objectives and the inclusion criteria as: samples constituted by individuals over 60 years of age, of both sexes, not institutionalized; containing cognitive functions as dependent variable; and that analyzed programs of physical activity systematized with or without cognitive stimulation. Were used 28 articles, 20 of them national and 8 international. This study showed that elderly people who practice physical activity have a better cognitive performance when compared to sedentary ones. It is possible to state that people over 65 years old can have their cognitive reserves increased with aerobic exercise and exercise-oriented practice. So it can be considered an application of regular physical exercise program as an alternative to improve a cognitive function, mainly because its application is a non expensive method and it can be applicable to a large part of the population, especially the elderly.