Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Calisthenics for Rural Elderly With Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic

The MoCA-B was jointly developed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Clinic and Research Institute in Canada, in collaboration with the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation of Thailand and the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. It has a total score of 30 points and encompasses eight cognitive domains: executive function, language, orientation, calculation, abstract thinking, memory, visual perception, and attention, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. The cutoff values are as follows: for years of education ≤6 years, MoCA-B ≥20; for 6 years \< years of education ≤12 years, MoCA-B ≥23; and for years of education \>12 years, MoCA-B ≥25. The scale correctly identifies cognitively normal participants with a specificity of 86%, and demonstrates a sensitivity of 81% for detecting cognitive impairment. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale is 0.807, and the criterion valid

Walking speed

The timed walking test was used to measure gait speed. The required equipment included a tape measure and a stopwatch. The specific procedure was as follows: First, a straight 6-meter course was measured using the tape measure, and the middle 4-meter segment was marked. The participant stood at the starting point. Then, upon the tester's command "Start," the participant walked at their normal pace to the endpoint. The time taken to cover the middle 4 meters was recorded using the same stopwatch. This was performed twice. Finally, gait speed was calculated using the formula speed = distance / time, with the average time of the two trials used for calculation.

Subjective Cognitive Decline-questionnaire 9

The SCD-Q9 was adapted and revised into Chinese by Hao Lixiao et al. It encompasses two dimensions: global memory ability with time comparison, and activities of daily living. It primarily assesses memory, recall ability, language ability, attention, orientation, and other domains. The questionnaire consists of 9 items. The scoring reference criteria for item responses are as follows: "Yes" = 1 point, "No" = 0 points, "Often" = 1 point, "Occasionally" = 0.5 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 9 points, with higher scores indicating a greater likelihood of cognitive impairment. A score of ≥5 points suggests the possible presence of potential memory impairment.

short physical performance battery

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIH), objectively assesses balance, lower limb strength, and physical function in older adults. Originally designed to predict disability, institutionalization, or mortality, it is now widely used for frailty, fall risk, and disease-related functional impairment. The SPPB includes three tests: balance, 4-meter gait speed, and five-repetition sit-to-stand, each scored 0-4, total 0-12 (higher = better function). Scores 0-3: severe mobility limitation with daily living difficulties; 4-6: mild limitation, needing assistance or aids; 7-9: normal mobility, independent in daily activities; 10-12: excellent mobility, robust and strong.

Handgrip strength

A electronic hand dynamometer (CAMRY, USA) was used to assess the upper limb muscle strength of the participants. Before measurement, the staff adjusted the dynamometer to zero. During the test, the participant stood in a natural posture with both arms hanging naturally at the sides. The dynamometer was kept as suspended as possible without touching the body, while maintaining the device stable. The participant was instructed to relax and then squeeze the dynamometer forcefully with the dominant hand three times (with an interval of \>15 seconds between each attempt). The maximum value among the three attempts was recorded as the grip strength.

Body fat

Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with an InBody H20N body fat scale, primarily measuring muscle and fat-related parameters. Before testing, participants wore light clothing without metal accessories and removed metal items such as watches, rings, and necklaces. During testing, participants stood barefoot on the metal electrode plates with feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring close contact of heels and forefeet with the plates. They held the handles on both sides with arms hanging naturally, hands dry and not touching the trunk. The operator initiated the measurement, during which participants remained still, silent, and motionless. The measurement lasted 1-2 minutes, and the device introduced a low-intensity electrical current to determine bioelectrical impedance parameters and estimate body composition.