What question did this study set out to answer?

This study examines how baseline sleep quality influences physical function improvements from a structured exercise program in older adults.

June 13, 2026Applied SciencesOpen Access

Effects of a Forest-Based Exercise Program on Physical Function According to Sleep Quality in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Pilot Study

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

Pilot study shows the impact of sleep quality on exercise outcomes in older adults with cognitive impairment, suggesting personalized interventions.

This study examines how baseline sleep quality influences physical function improvements from a structured exercise program in older adults.
Twenty-five older adults with mild cognitive impairment participated in a 12-week multicomponent exercise program, performed three times per week.
Participants were divided into Good Sleep and Poor Sleep groups based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Outcome measures included sleep quality and physical performance assessed via various tests, including the Short Physical Performance Battery.
The Poor Sleep group improved sleep quality significantly (−1.71 points, p < 0.01) and showed enhanced gait speed, grip strength, and walking performance.
A significant interaction for the 30 s chair stand test (p = 0.011) indicated greater improvements in lower extremity strength in the Good Sleep group.
Baseline sleep quality influenced adaptation to exercise, with poor sleepers improving more in sleep and good sleepers in muscular endurance.

Kim et al. (2026) studied this question.

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Pilot study shows the impact of sleep quality on exercise outcomes in older adults with cognitive impairment, suggesting personalized interventions.