Aquatic Exercises Combined With Cognitive Tasks for Older Adults

Launched by FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PELOTAS ·

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The WaterCog study is a 12-week, three-arm trial to see if aquatic exercise can help cognitive function (thinking skills) in older adults and whether adding simple cognitive tasks during exercise provides extra benefits. Participants are randomly placed into one of three groups: (1) aquatic aerobic exercise plus cognitive tasks during recovery periods, (2) conventional aquatic aerobic exercise, or (3) a non-exercise control group. The main goal is to see if these water-based programs improve thinking skills, with secondary checks on physical fitness, heart and blood pressure, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Eligibility focuses on women aged 60–75 who have not been physically active for at least six months and can read and write. Exclusions include history of heart disease (other than controlled high blood pressure), significant joint problems, dementia or major mental illness, or inability to complete questionnaires. If eligible, you’d join a 12-week program with two water sessions per week, and the cognitive-task group would do cognitive activities during recovery periods. Assessments occur at the start, after 12 weeks, and about 12 weeks later. The study is based in Pelotas, Brazil, aims to enroll about 98 participants, and, as of September 2025, recruitment has not yet started. Results will be shared after completion, and de-identified participant data may be available on request.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria