Washington, April 16 : Cochrane Researchers say that aerobics may not only improve the cardiovascular fitness of the elderly, but also their mental fitness.

The researchers said that a review of 11 studies suggested that aerobics could provide a person with quickness of thought, manual dexterity and better concentration on visual and auditory tasks.

The studies reviewed by the researchers were the ones that examined the effects of getting healthy people over the age of 55 to take on additional physical exercise.

Participants in those studies showed an increase in at least one aspect of cognitive function.

"This benefit adds to the other known benefits of aerobic exercise," says lead researcher Maaike Angevaren, who works in the Research Group Lifestyle and Health at the University of Applied Sciences, in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

"Larger studies are still required to confirm whether the aerobic training component is necessary, or whether the same can be achieved with any type of physical exercise," adds Angevaren.

ANI