Physical fitness level of a population with mild cognitive impairment

Older people are the fastest growing group in the world, and they experience a progressive loss of cognitive and physiological functions, leading to cognitive impairments and loss of functional motricity. The maintenance of physical activity and good physical fitness is important for functional independence. Information available about the physical activity and sedentary behaviour of people with cognitive impairment is scarce. Therefore, this study aims examine the physical fitness level in older persons with mild cognitive impairment. The cross-sectional study included older people 65 years of age. 36 nursing home residents (mean 79.36 years) from both genders participated in this study; all participants have mild cognitive impairment according to the Mini Mental State Examination. Physical fitness was assessed using the Rikli & Jones Test. Statistical analyses were conducted with the statistical software SPSS. Results show that physical fitness in a population of older persons with mild cognitive impairment is very poor, with severe consequences on functional independence. Therefore, promoting an active lifestyle among this population should be a crucial concern, to maintain motor abilities to perform daily tasks.