Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


CALVO_Dissertation ETD Submission.pdf (469.68 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Effects of a Very Brief Aquatic Exercise Intervention on Fitness and Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis

Calvo, Dayana
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1483425396590619

Abstract Details

, PHD, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of widespread lesions in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is associated with a variety of disabling symptoms negatively affecting an individual’s functionality and quality of life. Cognitive impairment is evident in approximately half of those diagnosed with MS, yet no treatment to improve cognitive function in these individuals is available. A review of the literature in MS and cognitively similar populations suggests exercise may improve fitness and produce positive cognitive outcomes; however, several disease-associated symptoms, such as physical and motor limitations, pain, fatigue, and difficulty with temperature regulation are cited as barriers to exercising in this population. As such, fitness levels are typically lower in MS compared to the general population, which may further contribute to reduced functionality and cognitive impairment. Aquatic exercise is a kind of program that has successfully shown cognitive and fitness improvements in other populations, and may provide similar benefits and help to overcome common barriers in MS as well. The current study examined the effects of a very brief aquatic exercise intervention on cardiovascular fitness and cognitive function in individuals with MS. A total of 38 individuals participated in a one-week exercise intervention (n = 19) or control (n = 19) condition. Cognitive performance and fitness were assessed 24 hours pre-and-post intervention. In the interim, the exercise group participated in a daily exercise program, while the control group was instructed to continue their typical routines. It was hypothesized that one week of aquatic exercise would produce positive changes in fitness and cognitive function. Fitness was proposed as a mediating factor for the relationship between group membership (i.e., exercise versus control) and post-intervention cognitive performance. Objective (heart rate) and subjective (rate of perceived exertion) measures of intensity, measured at several time-points during each exercise session, were proposed as key factors related to cognitive and fitness changes. As expected, fitness improved following the intervention in the exercise group, but not in controls. With the exception of learning and memory, cognitive performances improved for both groups on various measures. Reliable change index (RCI) calculations showed the percentage of reliable fitness and cognitive improvements was higher in the exercise group; however, RCI group comparisons showed that only fitness changes were significantly different. Contrary to expectations, the variables utilized in the meditational models were not significantly correlated, thus neither amount of fitness change nor total post-test fitness mediated the relationship between group membership and post-test cognitive function. Additionally, while change scores for fitness and cognitive tests did not correlate with subjective/objective intensity measurements, post-test fitness and cognitive performances did correlate with heart rate. Findings indicate those who participated in the exercise intervention showed statistically significant fitness benefits when compared to controls, though cognitive function did not significantly improve. Future work is necessary to determine whether this population benefits from a different type or dose of exercise to produce cognitive benefits.
Mary Beth Spitznagel (Advisor)
104 p.
Psychology

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Calvo, D. (2016). The Effects of a Very Brief Aquatic Exercise Intervention on Fitness and Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1483425396590619

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Calvo, Dayana. The Effects of a Very Brief Aquatic Exercise Intervention on Fitness and Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis. 2016. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1483425396590619.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Calvo, Dayana. "The Effects of a Very Brief Aquatic Exercise Intervention on Fitness and Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1483425396590619

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1483425396590619
300
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.