Tomohiro Okura

Publications
  • Research Article
    Effects of Exercise Program Requiring Attention, Memory and Imitation on Cognitive Function in Elderly Persons: A Non-Randomized Pilot Study
    Author(s): Ryosuke Shigematsu, Tomohiro Okura, Masaki Nakagaichi and Yoshio Nakata Ryosuke Shigematsu, Tomohiro Okura, Masaki Nakagaichi and Yoshio Nakata

    Background: Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) was developed as a novel exercise form that combines physical and cognitive training. Participants watch, recognize, memorize and follow step patterns which an instructor demonstrates on a 4 by 10 square-patterned SSE mat without viewing printed pattern diagrams. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of SSE on cognitive function. Methods: Community-dwelling, healthy elderly persons were non-randomly divided into a weekly session group (WG) (26 participants) and a fortnightly session group (FG) (32 participants) for a six month intervention. SSE sessions lasted 50-60 minutes, and an SSE mat was provided to participants for home use. We asked participants to review printed pattern diagrams at home, then practice the SSE and record this in a log. Five cognitive tests were given preand po.. View More»
    DOI: 10.4172/2167-7182.1000147

    Abstract PDF