Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Aerobic exercise is an evidence-based approach to mitigate cognitive decline in older adults. Emerging evidence suggests that the health benefits of exercise may be enhanced when performed in outdoor, natural settings, as compared to indoor or built settings. Thus, we conducted a trial to compare the effects of outdoor versus indoor walking programs on cognitive function and other health domains in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week, 2-session-per-week program of either outdoor aerobic exercise (walking) on forest trials, or indoor aerobic exercise (walking and cycling) on a treadmill and stationary bike. Our main outcome was working memory, a higher-order cognitive function critical for maintaining functional independence during aging. Other outcomes included other cognitive functions, brain function, mobility, emotional well-being, physical activity behaviour, sleep quality, and quality of life.