Physical activity in mild cognitive impairment during aging and the description of its predictive factors: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Over the years, human activity and performance show a normal decline in cognitive and sensorimotor tasks.

Objective: To identify physical activity strategies for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and describe their main predictors during aging.

Method: This systematic review identified the outcomes of physical activity strategies used in MCI and described their main predictors during aging. It was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, SPORTDiscus and Embase databases. The risk of bias analysis was adapted from the Cochrane handbook manual scale for experimental studies.

Results: Twenty-one studies were qualitatively analyzed, the sample total included 2023 older adults, which revealed the main predictors of MCI to be changes in glycated hemoglobin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced neovascularization. As a strategy for learning and presynaptic plasticity in the ageing population, the intervention should be conducted in a regular and moderate way, prioritizing memory and executive function with light exercises.

Conclusion: Health professionals be aware of the predictors highlighted in this study, as well as the strategies that can be used in clinical practice to enhance the functionality of these individuals, seeking greater social bonding, autonomy and a sense of competence. Future research should be conducted with strong methodological rigor to investigate more predictors and effective strategies to improve the quality of life of this population, since more precise mechanisms on how to introduce changes in the cortical areas of memory, based on strategies with specific characteristics of MCI, are still something to be explored.

Keywords: Cognitive aging; Disease prevention; Exercise.