Exercise and Alzheimer's: The body as a whole

  • Y. de Saá Guerra Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • S. Sarmiento Montesdeoca Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • J.M. García Manso Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • J.M. Martín González Department of Physics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Basic Sciences Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • M. Navarro Valdivielso Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • D. Rodriguez Ruiz Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • D. Rodriguez Matoso Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
  • M. Quiroga Escudero Department of Physical Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Physical Education Building, Campus Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/ramd.v10i3.69
Keywords: Alzheimer, Ejercicio, Autoorganización, Sistemas no lineares, Imprevisibilidad Alzheimer, Exercise, Self-organization, Non-linear, Unpredictability Alzheimer, Exercício, Auto-organização, Não-lineares, Imprevisibilidade

Abstract

 
Objective

Alzheimer's disease has been studied from various areas of knowledge (biomarkers, brain structure, behavior, cognitive impairment). Our aim was to examine the effects of an exercises protocol developed using complexity theory concepts.

Method

Exercise improves neuroplasticity (neuronal ability to change and adapt as a result of experience) through mental and physical skills linked to cognitive-associative brain circuits. Introducing controlled physical and cognitive stimuli, self-organization and connectivity among brain systems enhance. We used tasks with non-linear outputs (several solutions) and learning as order parameter. Tasks were performed simultaneously, at the edge of the error seeking self-organized criticality.

Results

Screening tests data showed a reduction in cognitive impairment, which suggests a reduction disease progression, in terms of executive function. There was a marked improvement in the physical tests: 30 seconds chair stand test (PRE: 8.78 ± 3.46; POST: 9.44 ± 3.68 repetitions) and foot up and go test (PRE: 11.95 ± 5.19; POST: 11.69 ± 4.43 seconds).

Conclusion

Results showed that patient's self-organization was increased; behaviors atrophied or inhibited reappeared. Using these controlled perturbations, Alzheimer's Disease patients were able to manifest improvements in both their mental and physical abilities.

 
 
 
Published
2018-04-21
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2017): September 2017
Section
Originals
Page/s
120-124
DOI
https://doi.org/10.33155/ramd.v10i3.69