Active Living, Cognitive Functioning and Aging

By Leonard W. Poon, Wojtek Chodzk-Zajko & Phillip D. Tomporowski.
ISBN: 0736057854
Reviewer: Anthony Fong (MSc, BBS, BA, Cert Mass)

This book is a collection of research based articles looking at the relationship between physical exercise and it’s response to cognitive work amongst the mature adult population.

Each chapter is written by a different academic researcher and topics range from Findings in Neurobiological Systems’ Response to Exercise, to Measurement of Physical Activity and Sleep, Mood and Chronic Pain Problems.

You could say it is a literature review of research on this topic over the last 30 years, starting from the 1970’s through to the most recent findings over the last few years.

Findings from many of the chapters conclude that exercise leads to general benefits to the overall health and cognitive functioning of the aging. However, the type of benefits gained are discussed based on the particular research protocols and variables undertaken.

The book is suitable for both the research student looking for a reference or the lecturer doing further research into this all important area of physical activity and aging.

Being a research based book, more graphs tables and pictures from the original research articles would have been beneficial to assist with the literature findings and conclusions.

Overall, a good reference book to have on hand when investigating exercise and aging.

Additional book reviews for Sport & Exercise Science NZ can be viewed on www.sesnz.org.nz