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Mason, J. R. (2017). The Effects of Cardiovascular Health on Cognitive Function and Driving Performance among Healthy Older Adults. Retrieved from http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_FALL2017_Mason_fsu_0071E_14223
Aging is associated with a decline in cognitive and psychomotor functions, resulting in difficulties with daily activities such as driving. Cognitive function has been found to be associated with arterial stiffening. These age-related decrements can be mitigated through routine aerobic exercise. To determine the effects of life-long aerobic exercise on cognitive function, driving performance, and cardiovascular health (i.e., arterial stiffness and thickness) among older adults (65 – 84 years old). A cross-sectional design was utilized to compare 27 endurance-trained older adults with 35 sedentary counterparts. Driving performance and cognitive function were measured via driving simulator and a cognitive battery, respectively. Cardiovascular health was assessed via a perceptually-regulated exercise test, carotid-intima media thickness (IMT) via Doppler ultrasound, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Fitness comparisons were made using an independent sample t-test. Cognitive function and driving performance scores were transformed to Z-scores. VO2max was higher in the endurance-trained group compared to the sedentary group (41±9 vs 25±3 ml/kg/min, p<.01). There were no differences between the groups in cf-PWV (12±2 vs. 12±2 m/s), carotid-IMT (.74±.15 vs .76±.13 mm), nor cognitive function scores (-.01±.57 vs -.09±.97). However, the endurance-trained group performed better on the driving simulator (.18±.58 vs -.28±.92, p<.05). Enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness may mitigate age-related decrements to driving performance.
A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references.
Advisory Committee
Gershon Tenenbaum, Professor Directing Dissertation; Lynn Panton, University Representative; Graig Michael Chow, Committee Member; Yanyun Yang, Committee Member.
Publisher
Florida State University
Identifier
FSU_FALL2017_Mason_fsu_0071E_14223
Mason, J. R. (2017). The Effects of Cardiovascular Health on Cognitive Function and Driving Performance among Healthy Older Adults. Retrieved from http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_FALL2017_Mason_fsu_0071E_14223