Yolanda Castellote-Caballero

Prof. Dr. Yolanda Castellote-Caballero


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 February 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MAMarcelina Sánchez Alcalá
Marcelina Sánchez Alcalá
Agustín Aibar-AlmazánAgustín Aibar-Almazán
Agustín Aibar-Almazán
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Javier Cano-SánchezJavier Cano-Sánchez
Javier Cano-Sánchez
Fidel Hita-ContrerasFidel Hita-Contreras
Fidel Hita-Contreras
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the effects of a dance-based aerobic training program on frailty, cognitive impairment, executive functions, and verbal fluency in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, whose sample was made up of 92 older adults, of which 47 performed rhythmic physical activity for 12 weeks. Data on frailty were collected through FRAIL, cognitive function through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), cognitive impairment through The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), verbal fluency using the Isaac test, and executive functions with the Trail Making Test (TMT). All variables were measured before and after the intervention by an independent researcher blinded to the treatment. Results: Participants in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in frailty (Cohen’s d = 0.60), cognitive function (Cohen’s d = 0.98), cognitive impairment (Cohen’s d = 1.22), verbal fluency (Cohen’s d = 0.61) and executive functions (Cohen’s d = 0.64). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a 12-week dance-based aerobic training program can significantly reduce frailty and improve cognitive abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. These improvements suggest that the intervention is not only effective in terms of physical health, but also in promoting mental health and general well-being.

8 March 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JPJUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
JUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
Javier Cano-SánchezJavier Cano-Sánchez
Javier Cano-Sánchez
Agustín Aibar-AlmazánAgustín Aibar-Almazán
Agustín Aibar-Almazán
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Fidel Hita-ContrerasFidel Hita-Contreras
Fidel Hita-Contreras
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an early stage of cognitive loss that significantly increases the risk of dementia. The aim of this study was to comprehensively synthesize the current evidence on the effect of combined physical and cognitive therapies in older adults with MCI. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching for specific keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Cinhal, and Web of Science databases. This meta-analysis included a total of 2256 participants distributed across 21 studies that evaluated the benefits of combining physical exercise with cognitive stimulation. Results: This review revealed that these types of therapies present a significant improvement in memory, attention, and executive functions. Participants showed notable improvements in these cognitive areas, highlighting the synergistic effects of physical exercise and cognitive stimulation, which exceeded the benefits of each therapy separately. These results contribute to the understanding of how these combined therapies can improve cognitive health in this population, offering robust evidence supporting their application in clinical practice. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that combined physical exercise and cognitive stimulation interventions may be an effective strategy for improving cognitive health in older adults with MCI. The findings of this study offer a valuable contribution to the field, highlighting the potential of these combined therapies to prevent cognitive decline and improve the quality of life of this population. The results may be of interest to health professionals and guide future research and clinical applications.

10 June 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JPJUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
JUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
MCMaría del Mar Carcelén-Fraile
María del Mar Carcelén-Fraile
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
Background/Objectives: The global increase in life expectancy has led to a higher prevalence of cognitive and physical decline in older adults, particularly in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined cognitive stimulation and resistance training intervention on cognitive performance, physical function, and fall risk in older adults with MCI. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with MCI. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG), which received a 12-week intervention consisting of cognitive stimulation and progressive strength training, or a control group (CG), which maintained their usual routine. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included measures of cognitive function, verbal fluency, attention, processing speed, executive function, gait, balance, fall risk, and lower- and upper-body strength. Results: The EG showed significant improvements compared with the CG in cognitive impairment, verbal fluency, processing speed, balance, gait, and risk of falls (all p < 0.05), with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Notably, strength gains were observed in both lower body and grip strength. Attention and executive function also improved in the EG, although with smaller effect sizes. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A combined intervention of cognitive stimulation and resistance training is effective in improving multiple domains of cognitive and physical function in older adults with MCI. These findings support the integration of multidomain interventions in clinical and community settings to promote autonomy, reduce fall risk, and delay cognitive and functional decline. Future studies should explore the long-term sustainability of these effects and the individual contribution of each intervention component.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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JPJUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
JUAN MIGUEL MUÑOZ PERETE
Javier Cano-SánchezJavier Cano-Sánchez
Javier Cano-Sánchez
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Paulino Vico RodríguezPaulino Vico Rodríguez
Paulino Vico Rodríguez
MCMarta Cano-Orihuela
Marta Cano-Orihuela
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
Background/Objectives: Aging leads to cognitive decline that may progress to dementia. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a strategy to improve cognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study reviews the effectiveness of tDCS in these populations. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Randomized controlled trials obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, and Web of Science were included. Studies with tDCS intervention in older adults with MCI were selected, excluding those without a control group or that did not measure relevant cognitive variables. Methodological quality was analyzed with the PEDro scale and a meta-analysis was applied with random-effects models. Results: A total of 27 studies were included in this review, of which 13 were part of the meta-analysis. tDCS showed significant improvements in global cognitive function (p < 0.001) and selective attention (p = 0.044), but not in mental flexibility or visual attention. Positive effects on quality of life and depressive symptoms were also reported in some studies. Conclusions: tDCS may improve cognitive functions in older adults with MCI, but inconsistencies persist in its magnitude and duration. It is recommended to standardize protocols and conduct studies with greater methodological rigor and long-term follow-up.

28 April 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BRBeatriz Ruiz-Ariza
Beatriz Ruiz-Ariza
Fidel Hita-ContrerasFidel Hita-Contreras
Fidel Hita-Contreras
Agustín Aibar-AlmazánAgustín Aibar-Almazán
Agustín Aibar-Almazán
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Background/Objectives: Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience impaired physical function and metabolic control. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week Pilates-based intervention on blood glucose concentration and physical function in this population. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 older adults (mean age: 70.6 ± 3.15 years; 70.2% women), all diagnosed with T2DM. The participants were assigned to a control group (CG, n = 52) or a Pilates training group (PG, n = 52). The intervention included 24 Pilates sessions over 12 weeks (2 sessions/week, 60 min each). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention and included capillary blood glucose, handgrip strength, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), balance (Berg Balance Scale), and flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach Test and Back Scratch Test). Results: Compared to the control group, the Pilates group showed statistically significant improvements in blood glucose levels (−4.06 mg/dL (p < 0.001; d = 0.68)), handgrip strength (+1.76 kg (p < 0.001; d = 0.48)), gait speed (p < 0.001; d = 0.53), balance (Berg score) (+2.37 points (p < 0.001; d = 0.66)), and flexibility (improvements in upper limbs (BST, d = 0.78–0.98) and lower limbs (CSRT, d = 1.07 right; d = 0.63 left)). Conclusions: A 12-week Pilates program led to significant improvements in glycemic control, muscular strength, gait speed, balance, and flexibility in older adults with T2DM. These findings support Pilates as a safe, effective, and adaptable non-pharmacological intervention to promote functional and metabolic health in this population.

28 August 2025 in Medical Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MCMarina Esther Cabrera-Brito
Marina Esther Cabrera-Brito
MCMaría del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
Agustín Aibar-AlmazánAgustín Aibar-Almazán
Agustín Aibar-Almazán
Fidel Hita-ContrerasFidel Hita-Contreras
Fidel Hita-Contreras
Paulino Vico RodríguezPaulino Vico Rodríguez
Paulino Vico Rodríguez
YCYolanda Castellote-Caballero
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Background/Objectives: Balance, postural control, and functional independence are essential components for the autonomy of people with neurological conditions. Robotic technologies such as the Lokomat® have emerged as promising tools in rehabilitation, but their effectiveness when integrated into functional programs requires further evidence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intensive robotic intervention on these three functional variables. Methods: A single-group, quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted with 136 participants who received a robotic rehabilitation intervention using the Lokomat® device, and focused on functional tasks over several weeks. Balance (using the Berg scale), postural control (using the PASS), and functional independence (using the Barthel index) were assessed, comparing pre- and post-intervention results using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: The results showed statistically significant improvements in all three variables after the intervention. The mean Berg score increased from 11.76 to 21.91 points (p < 0.001), postural control increased from 15.53 to 21.90 points (p < 0.001), and the Barthel index increased from 24.71 to 41.76 points (p < 0.001). In all cases, the effect sizes were large (d > 0.90). Conclusions: A rehabilitation program including intensive, task-oriented Lokomat® training was associated with improvements in balance, postural control, and functional independence. Given the single-group design without a control arm, these findings reflect associations and do not establish causality.