Abstract
BackgroundHuman brain function declines with aging. In this sense, exercise-based interventions has a promising effect on brain plasticity for older adults. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a positive biomarker for brain neuroplasticity in healthy older adults also modified by exercise training. Selected features of the exercise prescription for improving brain health are missing; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of concurrent exercise training frequency on serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults.MethodsNineteen volunteers (age: 65 ± 4 year; body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) completed either a three times/week (3-t/w) (n = 8) or five times/week (5-t/w) (n = 11) concurrent exercise program. The exercise program lasted 11 weeks and all exercise sessions were performed for 50 min at moderate intensity. Serum BDNF, body composition, cardiovascular, and physical fitness variables were assessed before and after the exercise training program.ResultsRegardless of the group, the serum BDNF increased following the intervention (p < 0.001), and there were no significant group (p = 0.827) or interaction (p = 0.063) effects. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased regardless of the group (p = 0.007), with a non-significant group (p = 0.722) or interaction (p = 0.223) effects. Upper- and lower-body strength increased in both groups (p = 0.003); however, there was no effect of the training frequency (p = 0.53). For the skeletal muscle mass, there was a trend in the interaction effect (p = 0.053). Finally, the body fat percentage was unchanged.ConclusionEleven weeks of combined exercise training increased serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults, a response independent of the training frequency. The overall fitness level improved similarly in both exercise groups. These data reveal that a minimal dosage of concurrent exercise enhance functional capacity and a brain health biomarker in older adults.
Highlights
The follow-up analysis showed a reduction trend (p = 0.075) in the HRrest in the 3-t/w exercise group compared to the pre-test scores
A main time effect was observed for the heart rate recovery (HRR) (p = 0.003 η2 = 0.222; Figure 3C)
Eleven weeks of concurrent exercise induced positive changes for fitness and strength and increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); the increment of circulating BDNF was independent of the exercise training frequency; similar responses were observed for variables associated with functional capacity
Summary
In humans, aging is a biological condition characterized by a progressive and unstable decline of physiological capacities and core molecular functions (Carmona and Michan, 2016). The age-related reduction on skeletal muscle mass has a direct association with muscle function loss (Akima et al, 2001) To address this problem, several guidelines for aging adults recommend to perform strength training regularly (Garber et al, 2011; Fragala et al, 2019). Exercise training is widely recognized as an effective treatment to reduce the age-related cognitive decline, similar to its impact on skeletal muscle mass maintenance (Dishman et al, 2006; Erickson et al, 2010). The purpose of the study was to compare two exercise training routines (three or five times for week) on serum BDNF, body composition and selected functional and physiological responses in healthy older adults. Selected features of the exercise prescription for improving brain health are missing; the aim of this study was to determine the effects of concurrent exercise training frequency on serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults
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