This study sought to determine whether aerobic exercise training affects cognitive functioning among semi-independent (> 75 years) and independent elderly people. Seventy-six semi-independent and independent elderly subjects were divided into the following groups: semi-independent control (n = 16); semi-independent training (n = 13); independent control (n = 22); independent training (n = 25). During the 12-week intervention, subjects in both training groups performed a bench-stepping exercise at the intensity of the lactate threshold. Subjects were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Frontal Assessment Battery test (FAB), the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam (3MS), and a bench-stepping test of aerobic capacity. During the intervention, FAB scores improved only in the semi-independent training group (p = .002), while 3MS and MMSE scores improved in both the semi-independent training (p = .032 and p = .004) and independent training groups (p = .001 and p = .013). FAB and 3MS scores were higher in the semi-independent training (p = .001 and p = .002) compared with the semi-independent control group after the intervention. Finally, post-intervention scores for FAB, and 3MS in the semi-independent training group almost reached the baseline levels of the independent control and independent training groups. These results indicate that moderate intensity bench-stepping exercise training can improve cognitive and frontal lobe functioning in semi-independent elderly people, almost to the level exhibited by independent elderly people.

  In Kochi prefecture, the mortality rate of males in their 40s and 50s exceeds the mean death rate of Japanese men by more than 10%. The causes of death in general in Kochi are cancer (27.1%), cardiac disease (16.8%), cerebrovascular disease (11.9%) and pneumonia (11.2%) in that order. We analysed the data of a total of 1,826 males in the 40-50 age band who had panticipated in the one-day health screening course provided by our hospital. Our findings showed that many of these middle-aged males, were heavy drinkers and obese people with BMI of 25 or more. The amount of alcohol consumption in Kochi is the second largest in Japan, which may impact on the incidence of alcohol-related diseases and death. As for blood pressure, the ratio of those people in their 50s and 60s with hypertension in Kochi was higher than the mean of this country. To prevent the development of the metabolic syndrome, we must keep on making efforts and encourage them to adopt a healthy life style.