Comparison of the effects of weight training and hydro-gymnastics practice on the cognitive function of elderly

Abstract

Objective: To compare the cognitive performance of elderly practitioners of weight training and hydro-gymnastics after a training session. Method: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study with 20 active people between 60 and 75 years old participants of a gym in Teresina. Their memory was evaluated through the Game of Memory, Verbal Fluency and TrailMaking Test A and B before and after the training sessions. The analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0. Results: The Weight Training group showed better results in post-game tests in memory (GM: -36.6s + 24.15; GH: -28.3S + 18.64), verbal fluency (GM: 5.1 words + 2.88; GH: 2.7 + 4.03 words) and A TrailMaking Test (GM: -23.4 + 20.28s; GH: -22.4 + 16.49 s), while the Hydro-gymnastics group presented in the Track B (GM: -17.7s + 11.75; GH: - 21.8s + 17.47). Conclusion: It was evident that a weight-training workout shows the most relevant improvements in cognitive responses in the elderly.