Splash and think: water exercise plus mental tasks sharpens Seniors' minds

NCT ID NCT07270094

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Instituto Politécnico de Leiria Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding mental tasks (like counting backwards or naming words) to water-based exercises helps healthy older adults improve both thinking and balance. Eighty-four adults aged 65+ did either water exercises alone or water exercises combined with cognitive challenges for 12 weeks. The group that did both showed better gains in memory, attention, and balance compared to those who only exercised.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Aquatic dual-task training (water exercises combined with cognitive tasks)
What this could lead to: If this approach works, it could offer a simple, enjoyable way for older adults to maintain both physical and mental sharpness, potentially reducing fall risk.
What could go wrong: This was a small, completed trial in healthy older adults, so results may not apply to those with existing cognitive decline. The improvements were modest and need confirmation in larger, longer studies.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Clínica de Fisioterapia e Desporto de Pombal

Pombal, 3100-462, Portugal

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