Adding virtual reality screens to exercise bikes can boost mental performance in older adults, a study has found.
Research shows regular physical activity protects against dementia and may reduce mental decline caused by normal ageing.
But this benefit can be increased with the help of virtual reality, the research suggests.
The study compared groups of participants using stationary exercise
bikes and "cybercycles" fitted with a screen giving the impression of
riding a real race on a road.
A total of 101 volunteers aged 58 to 99 took part in the Cybercycle Study. The results, published in the American Journal of Preventive
Medicine, showed a marked difference between the two groups after three
months, with Cybercycle riders having significantly better "executive"
brain function involving planning, working memory, attention and problem
solving.
They also experienced a 23% reduction in progression to mild cognitive impairment compared with the traditional exercise group.
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