Effect of a Seated Upper Extremity Exercise Program with Cognitive Task on the Cerebral Hemodynamics of Older Females

[Purpose] The Square Touch Exercise, an upper extremity exercise program incorporating cognitive tasks that can be performed in a seated position, was designed to maintain, and improve the cognitive function of older people. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Square Touch Exercise on cerebral hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex of older females. [Participants and Methods] Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure cerebral hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex of 15 older females. The Square Touch Exercise tasks consisted of a control and two Square Touch tasks. Cerebral hemodynamic indices at rest and during each task were compared. [Results] Oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher in the right prefrontal cortex during the high-difficulty task than during the control task, and total hemoglobin was significantly higher during the resting, control, and low-difficulty tasks. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the brain is activated during the Square Touch Exercise program, which may positively affect cognitive function.