Exercise Environment and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

This observational, cross-sectional study aims to comparatively investigate the effects of outdoor versus indoor exercise environments on overall cognitive performance and its specific sub-domains (attention, memory, and executive functions) in older adults with similar physical capacities. Utilizing a 2 (Exercise Environment: Outdoor vs. Indoor) x 2 (Center: Köyceğiz vs. Erzurum Tazelenme University) factorial design, a sample of 100-120 participants aged 60 and over will be recruited via purposive sampling. To ensure sample homogeneity regarding functional capacity, participants will undergo pre-screening with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, while individuals with advanced neurological disorders or severe physical impairments will be excluded. Data will be collected through a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) to monitor baseline activity parameters, and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) Turkish Version A to assess cognitive outcomes. Ultimately, this study aims to elucidate the potential predictive role of the exercise environment on cognitive health in late life and explore whether the cognitive benefits of physical activity vary interactively across different geographic centers.