The effects of senior brain health exercise program on basic physical fitness, cognitive function and BDNF of elderly women - a feasibility study

Mid-Term and Long-Lasting Psycho-Cognitive Benefits of Bidomain Training Intervention in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: This study investigated whether combining simultaneous physical and cognitive training yields superior cognitive outcomes compared with aerobic training alone in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these benefits persist after four weeks of detraining. Methods: Forty-four people with MCI (11 males and 33 females) aged 65 to 75 years were randomly assigned to an 8-week, twice-weekly program of either aerobic training (AT group, n = 15), aerobic training combined with cognitive games (ACT group, n = 15), or simply reading for controls (CG group, n = 14). Selective attention (Stroop), problem-solving (Hanoi Tower), and working memory (Digit Span) tasks were used to assess cognitive performances at baseline, in the 4th (W4) and 8th weeks (W8) of training, and after 4 weeks of rest (W12). Results: Both training interventions induced beneficial effects on all tested cognitive performance at W4 (except for the number of moves in the Hanoi tower task) and W8 (all p <0.001), with the ACT group exhibiting a more pronounced positive impact than the AT group (p < 0.05). This advantage was specifically observed at W8 in tasks such as the Stroop and Tower of Hanoi (% gain ≈40% vs. ≈30% for ACT and AT, respectively) and the digit span test (% gain ≈13% vs. ≈10% for ACT and AT, respectively). These cognitive improvements in both groups, with the greater ones in ACT, persisted even after four weeks of detraining, as evidenced by the absence of a significant difference between W8 and W12 (p > 0.05). Concerning neuropsychological assessments, comparable beneficial effects were recorded following both training regimens (all p < 0.05 from pre- to post-intervention). The control group did not show any significant improvement in most of the cognitive tasks. Conclusions: The greater mid-term and long-lasting effects of combined simultaneous physical-cognitive training underscores its potential as a cost-effective intervention for the prevention and management of cognitive decline. While these results are valuable in guiding optimal physical and mental activity recommendations for adults with MCI, further neurophysiological-based studies are essential to offer robust support and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these promising findings.

The impact of resistance training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and depression among older adults aged 60 years or older: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of resistance training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depression among older adults aged 60 years or older.

METHOD

Four electronic databases were systematically searched.

RESULTS

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials, with a pooled sample of 868 participants, met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that resistance training significantly improved circulating BDNF levels (mean difference; MD: 0.73 ng/ml; 95% CI [0.04, 1.42]; p = 0.04). Additionally, resistance training was associated with significant improvements in depression (standardized mean difference; SMD: -0.38; 95% CI [- 0.62, -0.14]; p = 0.002).

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that resistance training may be an effective intervention for improving BDNF levels and reducing depression symptoms in older adults. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Effects of different physical activities on brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A systematic review and bayesian network meta-analysis

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that exercise is a simple and effective method for maintaining brain function.

Aims

This review evaluates the effects of five physical exercises, including aerobic training (AT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), combined training (CT), resistance training (RT), and AT+RT, on the serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy and non-healthy populations.

Methods

We searched CNKI, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to review randomized controlled studies on exercise interventions for BDNF. Quantitative merging analysis of the resulting data using Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results

The screening and exclusion of the searched literature resulted in the inclusion of 39 randomized controlled trials containing 5 exercise interventions with a total of 2031 subjects. The AT, RT, AT+RT, HIIT, and CT groups (intervention groups) and the CG group (conventional control group) were assigned to 451, 236, 102, 84, 293, and 865 subjects, respectively. The Bayesian network meta-analysis ranked the effect of exercise on BDNF level improvement in healthy and non-healthy subjects as follows: RT > HIIT > CT > AT+RT > AT > CG. Better outcomes were observed in all five intervention groups than in the CG group, with RT having the most significant effect [MD = 3.11 (0.33, 5.76), p < 0.05].

Conclusions

RT at moderate intensity is recommended for children and older adults in the case of exercise tolerance and is effective in maintaining or modulating BDNF levels for promoting brain health.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com, INPLASY202250164.

Calanus Oil Supplementation Does Not Further Improve Short-Term Memory or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Women Who Underwent Exercise Training

Purpose

In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65–80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test “Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení” (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks.

Results

Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO₂peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49).

Conclusion

Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

The effects of endurance exercise combined with high-temperature head-out water immersion on serum concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy young men

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate acute changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration following combined endurance exercise and heat stress through head-out water immersion (HOI).

SETTING

Observational study with crossover design.

METHODS

Ten healthy young male participants performed HOI at 40 °C (40 °C HOI) or continuous cycling at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake while immersed in 40 °C (40 °C HOI-ex) or 23 °C water (23 °C HOI-ex) for 15 min. Serum BDNF, cortisol and lactate concentrations, and core temperature (T_core) were measured pre, immediately post, and 15 and 30 min post-immersion.

RESULTS

BDNF concentration increased immediately and 15 min after 40 °C HOI-ex, but not after 40 °C or 23 °C HOI-ex. No changes in T_core concentration were observed during 23 °C HOI-ex (Pre; 37.3 °C ± 0.3 °C, Post; 37.8 °C ± 0.2 °C, Post 15; 37.4 °C ± 0.3 °C, Post 30; 37.2 °C ± 0.2 °C). T_core increased significantly post, post 15, and post 30 min of 40 °C HOI (Pre; 37.1 °C ± 0.4 °C, Post; 38.8 °C ± 0.5 °C, Post 15; 37.9 °C ± 0.4 °C, Post 30; 37.9 °C ± 0.2 °C) and 40 °C HOI-ex (Pre; 37.2 °C ± 0.2 °C, Post; 40.2 °C ± 0.7 °C, Post 15; 38.9 °C ± 0.5 °C, Post 30; 38.3 °C ± 0.5 °C). T_core was higher in 40 °C HOI-ex compared with 40 °C HOI and 23 °C HOI-ex immediately post and post 15 min. Plasma lactate and cortisol were significantly higher in 40 °C HOI-ex compared with 40 °C HOI and 23 °C HOI-ex after immersion (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While 15 min HOI alone or thermoneutral exercise do not increase BDNF concentration, both combined may form a time-efficient strategy to acutely elevate BDNF.

Beneficial effects of an intergenerational exercise intervention on health-related physical and psychosocial outcomes in Swiss preschool children and residential seniors: a clinical trial

Background

Intergenerational exercise possesses the potential to becoming an innovative strategy for promoting physical activity in seniors and children. Although this approach has gained attraction within the last decade, controlled trials on physical and psychosocial effects have not been performed yet.

Methods

Sixty-eight healthy preschool children (age: 4.9 y (SD 0.7)) and 47 residential seniors (age: 81.7 y (7.1)) participated in this five-armed intervention study. All participants were assigned to either an intergenerational (IG), peer (PG) or a control group (CON). Children were tested on gross motor skills (TGMD-2), jump performance and handgrip strength. Social-emotional skills questionnaires (KOMPIK) were assessed by kindergarten teachers. Seniors performed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including gait speed. Arterial stiffness parameters were also examined. Questionnaires assessing psychosocial wellbeing were filled in with staff. IG and PG received one comparable exercise session a week lasting 45 minutes for 25-weeks. CON received no intervention. Measurements were performed before and after the intervention.

Results

In children: IG improved all measured physical parameters. When adjusted for baseline values, large effects were observed in favor of IG compared to CON in TGMD-2 (Cohen's d=0.78 [0.33;1.24]) and in handgrip strength (d = 1.07 [0.63;1.51]). No relevant differences were found in KOMPIK between groups (-0.38<d≤0.14). In seniors: IG showed moderate to very large improvements in all main physical performance (0.61<d≤2.53) and psychosocial parameters (0.89<d≤1.20) compared to CON.

Conclusion

IG children showed large benefits in motor skills compared to CON while IG seniors benefit especially in psychosocial wellbeing and functional mobility necessary for everyday life. Intergenerational exercise is comparable and in certain dimensions superior to peer group exercise and a promising strategy to integratively improve mental health as well as physical fitness in preschool children and residential seniors.

Brain Health: A Concept Analysis

The concept of brain health has been inconsistently used across disciplines. This concept analysis sought to clarify brain health and construct a unified definition that may lead to consistent use of this concept. The analysis used Walker and Avant's framework to identify scholarly reports on the concept of brain health from various electronic databases. Building on the identified data sources, brain health can be understood as the brain's ability to optimally adapt to internal and external human conditions through cognitive and emotional responses across one's lifespan, which result in sustainable positive changes in brain structures and functional features. This analysis emphasized that maintaining brain health has positive implications on an individual's lifelong quality of health, independence, and delaying cognitive decline. By clarifying uses and definitions of the concept of brain health, this concept analysis may enable researchers and clinicians to evaluate and interpret the concept related data consistently.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Brain Function: A Systematic Review in Human and Animal Studies

Background

Physical exercise (PE) has been associated with increase neuroplasticity, neurotrophic factors, and improvements in brain function.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of different PE protocols on neuroplasticity components and brain function in a human and animal model.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review process from November 2019 to January 2020 of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus. A keyword combination referring to PE and neuroplasticity was included as part of a more thorough search process. From an initial number of 20,782 original articles, after reading the titles and abstracts, twenty-one original articles were included. Two investigators evaluated the abstract, the data of the study, the design, the sample size, the participant characteristics, and the PE protocol.

Results

PE increases neuroplasticity via neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, and NGF) and receptor (TrkB and P75NTR) production providing improvements in neuroplasticity, and cognitive function (learning and memory) in human and animal models.

Conclusion

PE was effective for increasing the production of neurotrophic factors, cell growth, and proliferation, as well as for improving brain functionality.

Evaluation of beneficial effect of a dual-task exercise based on Japanese transitional games in older adults: a pilot study

Not only does Japan has the world's longest healthy life expectancy, but also the world's longest average life span. This study investigated the effect of a novel dual-task (DT) exercise called "Synapsology" (SYNAP), developed as a game-like activity to improve older adults' physical and cognitive functions. Participants (n=24) with a mean age of 70.6 years (65-77 years) were randomly assigned to the SYNAP exercise group (SG, n=15) and the control group (CG, n=9). The SG participated in the DT intervention consisting of 60-minute sessions, twice a week, for 8 weeks. Physical function in timed-up-and-go had significant pre- and post- trial differences (P=0.017) in SG. In addition, cognitive function results in the a 25-hole trail-making peg test (P=0.004) and an oxidative stress marker (P=0.039) had a statistically significant difference within the SG. However, there were no significant differences in the physical and cognitive functions between SG and CG. In the study, older adults who participated in cognitive-motor DT intervention improved significantly with regard to motor ability and cognitive function results. Thus, a game-like DT exercise may help maintain the healthy life of older adults compared to no intervention.

A multi-modal exercise intervention that improves cognitive function and physical performance, elderly with mobility-related disability: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise interventions have showed improvement on cognitive performance and mobility of old people. However, the results regarding the inclusion of cognitive activities into exercise were not evaluated simultaneously. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of multimodal exercise program on cognitive function and physical performance in elderly people with mobility disabilities.

METHODS

The sample of the study consisted of 70 old people randomly appointed to the exercise and control groups (35 people for each) with mobility disabilities. A new exercise program was conducted for old people in the exercise group for 6 months. Evaluation between 1st and 24th week included cognitive change, mobility, balance and walking parameters.

RESULTS

Exercise group showed better performance on orientation, memory and language point than before the intervention (P<0.05). Again, the total mental test score of the exercise group significantly increased from 18.7±3.5 to 20.1±3.5 after the intervention (P<0.001). People without a cognitive disorder increased from 8 to 11 in the exercise group (P<0.001), while the number did not change in control group. Correlation was found between exercise group and activities such as mobility, walking and balance performance (r=0.81; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal exercise program with intense mental activities enabled an improvement in both cognitive and physical performance in old people with loss of competences due to mobility.

The association between physical fitness parameters and white matter microstructure in older adults: A diffusion tensor imaging study

The present study was designed to examine whether different measures of physical fitness are differentially associated with white matter (WM) microstructure in older adults. Fifty-six healthy adults (mean age: 59.14 years) completed a standardized evaluation of physical fitness measurements (e.g., VO_2peak , push-ups, abdominal sit-ups, sit-and-reach, t test, and vertical jump). Fractional anisotropy (FA), an index of WM microstructure, was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging. The findings indicated that the cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with FA in the right cingulum hippocampus and the left cerebral peduncle. However, other physical fitness metrics were not significantly associated with FA in any region. These results suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness, but not other metrics of fitness, might be sensitive to WM microstructure.

The effects of toe grip training on physical performance and cognitive function of nursing home residents

Background

Toe grip-related training requires individuals to actively exercise muscles that are not frequently used; therefore, it may improve not only toe grip strength but also cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of toe grip-related training on predictors of physical performance and cognitive function in nursing home residents.

Methods

A total of 35 nursing home residents (35 left and 35 right feet; mean age, 82.1 ± 7.9 years) were included in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: a training group and a control group. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess the cognitive function of the participants, and the Fall Risk Index (FRI) was used to evaluate the risk of falls. Toe grip-related physical function was also assessed. Baseline endpoints were evaluated and the effects of toe grip-related training were examined following a 12-week training intervention.

Results

The training group showed significant improvements in MMSE score, FRI score, toe grip strength, and the toe skill (TS) test; however, the control group did not show these changes. The training group showed significant increases in Δ MMSE, Δ toe grip strength, and Δ TS (right foot) than the control group. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that Δ toe grip strength is an independent factor of Δ MMSE.

Conclusions

Toe grip training improves not only toe grip strength itself, but also cognitive function. Furthermore, change in toe grip strength was an independent factor of change in MMSE in those populations.

Trial registration

UMIN, UMIN000027437. Registered on 26 May 2017.

The Impact of Physical Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Level in Elderly Population

BACKGROUND

Memory function disorder is a major health problem in geriatric patients. Physical exercise has the potency to decrease the incidence of many degenerative and chronic health problem, related to cognitive deterioration (dementia).

AIM

This research aimed to observe the effect of physical exercise in various doses and duration on memory function by analysing the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a regulatory protein affected by exercise.

METHODS

This was an analytical observational study with a cohort design. Thirty participants were included in each group, classified as exercise and non-exercise group. The exercise was in the form of jogging for at least fifteen minutes every day. The observation was done for sixty days. Cognitive function assessment was done by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Meanwhile, the BDNF level was assessed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done using Independent T-test.

RESULTS

Exercise group showed better MMSE score (28.56 ± 1.76), and a higher concentration of BDNF (235.34 ± 12.56 pg/mL), both were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise was able to maintain geriatric cognitive function performance by BDNF protein regulation.

Short-time high-intensity exercise increases peripheral BDNF in a physical fitness-dependent way in healthy men

BDNF is associated with brain health and positively modulated by exercise; however, the influence of physical fitness status on BDNF is incipient. This study investigated the BDNF response after acute-exercise sessions performed at low, moderate, and high intensities and the relationship between physical fitness status and BDNF response. Twenty-eight men, divided according to physical fitness status (<50th or >50th percentile for VO_2max), performed three randomised acute exercise sessions at low (90% of VT1), moderate (midpoint between VT1-VT2), and high (midpoint between VT2-W_max) intensities until exhaustion or for up to 60 min. Lactate and BDNF were determined pre and post-exercises. For BDNF, there were main effects of time (p = 0.003) and interaction (p < 0.001), showing an increase post high-intensity exercise (p < 0.001). Changes in BDNF presented differences between conditions (p < 0.001) with greater increase in high-intensity compared with the others (p = 0.003). For lactate, there were main effects of time (p < 0.001), condition (p < 0.001), and interaction (p < 0.001) with greater concentration in high-intensity. High-intensity exercise exhibited inverse correlation between the changes in BDNF and lactate (r=-0.38, p = 0.044). There was significant correlation between BDNF and VO_2max for moderate (r = -0.57, p = 0.002) and a trend for high-intensity condition (r = -0.37, p = 0.050) and when evaluating BDNF according to physical fitness level, it was observed that subjects with lower physical fitness levels had greater increases in BDNF in short-time high-intensity exercise (p = 0.041). In conclusion, short-time high-intensity exercise seems to be more efficient in increasing BDNF concentration, and physical fitness level influences this response, as healthy individuals with lower physical fitness levels were more responsive.

Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Asian Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of horticultural therapy (HT) on immune and endocrine biomarkers remains largely unknown. We designed a waitlist-control randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of HT in improving mental well-being and modulating biomarker levels. A total of 59 older adults was recruited, with 29 randomly assigned to the HT intervention and 30 to the waitlist control group. The participants attended weekly intervention sessions for the first 3 months and monthly sessions for the subsequent 3 months. Biological and psychosocial data were collected. Biomarkers included IL-1β, IL-6, sgp-130, CXCL12/SDF-1α, CCL-5/RANTES, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), hs-CRP, cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Psychosocial measures examined cognitive functions, depression, anxiety, psychological well-being, social connectedness and satisfaction with life. A significant reduction in plasma IL-6 level (p = 0.02) was observed in the HT intervention group. For the waitlist control group, significant reductions in plasma CXCL12 (SDF-1α) (p = 0.003), CXCL5 (RANTES) (p = 0.05) and BDNF (p = 0.003) were observed. A significant improvement in social connectedness was also observed in the HT group (p = 0.01). Conclusion: HT, in reducing plasma IL-6, may prevent inflammatory disorders and through maintaining plasma CXCL12 (SDF-1α), may maintain hematopoietic support to the brain. HT may be applied in communal gardening to enhance the well-being of older adults.

Mental Training Enhances Cognitive Function and BDNF More Than Either Physical or Combined Training in Elderly Women With MCI: A Small-Scale Study

INTRODUCTION

The effects of mental, physical, and combination of these two trainings were investigated on cognitive performance, serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and irisin in women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-four participants were randomized into 4 groups: physical training (PH; 8 weeks' aerobic training, n = 11), mental training (ME; special computer gaming, n = 11), combined (PH + ME; n = 13), and control group (CO; n = 9).

RESULTS

Analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test revealed a significant increase in working memory ( P = .012) and BDNF ( P = 0.024) in the ME compared with the CO group. Also the ME group in comparison with the PH group demonstrated better working memory ( P = .014) and processing speed ( P = .024).

CONCLUSION

Positive effect of mental training on the cognitive parameters, parallel with BDNF elevation, suggests that mental training is a more useful, safe, and persistent strategy to attenuate the progression of MCI probably via BDNF elevation, but the effect size is relatively small elevation.

Feedback on a Multimodal Cognitive Intervention for Adults Aging With HIV: A Focus Group Study

Nearly 50% of adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), which is associated with deteriorating brain health and cognitive functioning. Multimodal interventions that simultaneously improve physical activity, nutrition, and sleep hygiene may be of value for adult PLWH, especially as they age and become vulnerable to HAND. We used four focus groups of PLWH (N = 30; ages ≥ 50 years) to solicit feedback about Cognitive Prescriptions, a multimodal cognitive intervention. Lifestyle and health behaviors pertaining to Cognitive Prescriptions were assessed, including: (a) physical activity, (b) mental activity, (c) nutrition, (d) social engagement, (e) emotional health, (f) sleep hygiene, and (g) substance use. When presented a template of the intervention, participants expressed favorable opinions and remarked they would want to work with a clinician, paraprofessional, or peer to implement such a program into their own daily routines. From this, implications for practice and research are provided.

Stroke screening and health-related physical fitness testing in medical staff members in Urumqi, China

Objective

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability, and is closely related to a lack of exercise. Currently, most Chinese medical staff members lack exercise and may be at risk for stroke. We sought to determine the risk factors for stroke and study the significance of health-related physical fitness testing in stroke prevention among Chinese medical staff members.

Methods

A total of 627 subjects from Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, were included in the study and a survey was conducted from 1st January 2016 to 1st February 2016. Stroke screening and health-related physical fitness testing were completed according to the standard protocol, and the related data were analyzed.

Results

Based on the screening, 27.6% (n = 173) of the subjects were at high risk for stroke. The top risk factors for stroke in these subjects were dyslipidemia, lack of exercise or mild physical activity, being overweight or obese, and high blood pressure. Body weight, body mass index, body fat, visceral fat area, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in subjects at high risk for stroke than in subjects who were not at high risk. Lung capacity, step index, grip test, vertical jump, and sit-up/push-up index were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in subjects at high risk for stroke than in subjects who were not at high risk.

Conclusions

A large proportion of China's on-the-job medical personnel is at high risk for stroke. This may be related to the nature of the profession and warrants more attention from the society. The health-related physical fitness measurement parameters in subjects at high risk for stroke were significantly different from those in subjects who were not at high risk. Screening and health-related physical fitness testing in medical staff members may contribute to stroke prevention. More rigorous controlled clinical trials will be needed in the future.