Executive functioning and trait mindfulness in older adults before a remote physical exercise training program
Mini-Oral Presentation C2.11
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.764Keywords:
Trait Mindfulness, Executive Functioning, Physical Exercise, MoodAbstract
Background: Physical exercise shows benefits to mood and executive functioning (EF), and there is evidence that trait mindfulness (TM) plays a role. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many older adults have reduced their physical activity. Purpose: Using data from the baseline evaluation of a randomized control trial implementing physical exercise training for older adults in Canada, this study examines the relative contributions of physical exercise and TM to EF and mood. Methods: 39 older adults (67% women, 66-78 years-old) were assessed for self-reported frequency of physical exercise; TM; EF that was evaluated by self-report (Executive Function Index -EFI) and computerized tasks (inhibition, working memory, shifting and decision-making); and mood (anxiety and depression). Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the effects of physical exercise and TM on EF and mood. Results: TM alone significantly predicted self-reported EF, β = .36, t(32) = 2.09, p < .05, and symptoms of depression, β = -.47, t(32) = -2.91, p < .01, and anxiety, β = -.42, t(32) = -2.65, p = .01, but not performance on any EF cognitive tasks. Frequency of physical exercise did not significantly predict any measures of EF or mood. Conclusions: These results suggest that before beginning a remote physical exercise program, trait mindfulness may play a larger role than physical exercise in EF and mood. Funding: Funding for this study was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and an internal research grant, University of Victoria.
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Copyright (c) 2021 F. Taylor Agate, Alejandra Contreras, Mauricio A. Garcia-Barrera
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