Date of Award

6-2017

Document Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Neuroscience

First Advisor

Cay Anderson-Hanley

Language

English

Keywords

aging, cognition, function, healthy, aging, biomarkers

Abstract

The current pilot study of the interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System (iPACES™) examined the relationship between biomarkers and cognitive change over three months of neuroexergaming, wherein older adults pedaled and steered along a virtual bike path to complete a list of errands (Memory Lane™). Executive function and saliva were measured at baseline, mid (6-week), and three months. Results revealed moderate to large correlations between executive function and salivary biomarkers cortisol, BDNF, and IGF1. These findings suggest that neuroexergaming interventions such as iPACES™ may impact both cognitive and neurobiological pathways and perhaps could be an effective way to promote healthy aging in the increasing older adult population.

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