Brain Gym and Cognitive Function in Older Women: A Quasi Experimental Study

Elisabeth Ivonia Age; Luh Putu Ayu Vitalistyawati; Ni Putu Dwi Larashati; Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari

doi:10.24843/

Penulis

Elisabeth Ivonia Age Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Dhyana Pura University, Bali, Indonesia Penulis
Luh Putu Ayu Vitalistyawati Physiotherapy Professional Program, Faculty of Medicine, Dhyana Pura University, Bali, Indonesia Penulis
Ni Putu Dwi Larashati Physiotherapy Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Dhyana Pura University, Bali, Indonesia Penulis
Ni Luh Made Reny Wahyu Sari Physiotherapy Professional Program, Faculty of Medicine, Dhyana Pura University, Bali, Indonesia Penulis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Kata Kunci:

Exercise, Cognition, Aged, Female

Abstrak

Background: Cognitive decline is common in later life and may be particularly relevant among postmenopausal women. Brain Gym is a simple movement-based intervention, but evidence focused specifically on older women remains limited.
Objective: To examine the effectiveness of Brain Gym for improving cognitive function in older women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a non-equivalent control group pretest posttest design. Forty older women were recruited by purposive sampling and allocated by residential area to an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group performed Brain Gym three times weekly for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination. Paired and independent sample t tests were used.
Results: MMSE scores in the intervention group increased from 17.25 ± 4.575 to 21.95 ± 4.796, with a mean change of 4.70 ± 2.130 (95% CI 3.703 to 5.697; t = 9.868; df = 19; p < 0.001). The control group showed a mean change of 0.15 ± 3.167 (95% CI −1.332 to 1.632; t = 0.212; df = 19; p = 0.834). The between group difference was 4.550 points (95% CI 2.822 to 6.278; p < 0.001), with Cohen's d of 1.686 (95% CI 0.952 to 2.404).
Conclusion: Brain Gym was associated with greater cognitive improvement than usual daily activity. Interpretation should consider the nonrandomized design and limited sample size.