Effects of Physically Active Interventions on Health and Well-Being in Older Adults

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 330

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychology, University G’ d Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
2. BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics, University G’ d Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
Interests: active aging; mental fatigue; fatigability; cognitive performance; healthspan

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The European Union and other global institutions are actively addressing the socioeconomic challenges posed by the global aging population. Promoting active aging through research-informed interventions is one of the most effective tested strategies to prevent health risks in older adults and mitigate associated costs. This Special Issue aims to enhance our understanding of how physical, cognitive, or combined (i.e., physical plus cognitive exercises) training interventions can improve the health and well-being of the older adult population. We welcome studies that explore the impact of these interventions on various aspects of health, including cognitive function, physical fitness, and emotional well-being.

Research focusing on the effects of training interventions on cognitive aspects and fatigability is particularly encouraged, as these factors play a crucial role in the overall quality of life for older adults. By investigating how different types of training can enhance cognitive performance and reduce fatigue, we can develop more effective strategies to support healthy aging. This Special Issue seeks to gather innovative research that provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the benefits of training and offers practical recommendations for designing interventions tailored to the needs of the older adult population.

We invite contributions that utilize diverse methodologies, including longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials, and qualitative research, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of physically active interventions. Formative/process evaluations are also welcome.

By advancing our knowledge in this area, we aim to contribute to the development of evidence-based practices that promote active and healthy aging. This information is of high importance to improve population health and well-being and reduce healthcare costs.

Dr. Jesus Diaz García
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • active aging
  • mental fatigue
  • fatigability
  • cognitive performance
  • sarcopenia
  • healthspan

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 3531 KB  
Article
Cognition, Physical Performance, and Fall-Related Mobility Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Federica Marmondi, Vittoria Ferrando, Roberto Codella, Luca Filipas, Piero Ruggeri, Antonio La Torre, Emanuela Luisa Faelli and Matteo Bonato
Sports 2025, 13(12), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13120429 - 3 Dec 2025
Viewed by 44
Abstract
Aging entails concurrent declines in physical and cognitive domains, contributing to reduced independence, higher fall risk, and lower quality of life. Understanding how motor performance relates to cognition is crucial for prevention in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between physical [...] Read more.
Aging entails concurrent declines in physical and cognitive domains, contributing to reduced independence, higher fall risk, and lower quality of life. Understanding how motor performance relates to cognition is crucial for prevention in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between physical fitness—including strength, endurance, balance, and aerobic capacity—and cognitive outcomes assessed by Trail Making Tests (TMT-A, TMT-B), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and dual-task cost in the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG_DTC). Thirty-four sedentary but cognitively healthy adults aged ≥60 years were evaluated. Quadriceps strength was significantly related to TUG_DTC and executive function (TMT-B), while upper-limb endurance correlated with both attentional and executive measures. Dynamic balance, particularly in posterior directions, was linked to DSST and TMT-B, and 6-min walk test performance was associated with executive functioning and processing speed. TUG_DTC itself showed strong correlations with cognitive outcomes, underscoring its sensitivity to motor–cognitive interference. These findings highlight selective motor–cognitive relationships and suggest that simple, field-based tests may serve as early markers of cognitive vulnerability. Targeting lower-limb strength, balance, and aerobic capacity could represent cost-effective strategies to promote mobility and cognitive resilience in aging populations. Full article
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