Resistance training does not have an effect on cognition or related serum biomarkers in nonagenarians: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine Vol. 36; no. 1; p. 54
• Main Authors: Ruiz, J R, Gil-Bea, F, Bustamante-Ara, N, Rodríguez-Romo, G, Fiuza-Luces, C, Serra-Rexach, J A, Cedazo-Minguez, A, Lucia, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Aging - blood; Aging - psychology; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor - blood; Biomarkers - blood; Blood Proteins - metabolism; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - blood; Cognition - physiology; Epidermal Growth Factor - blood; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength - physiology; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A - blood; Resistance Training; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - blood
• ISSN: 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1375693

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effects of 8-week exercise-intervention on cognition and related serum biochemical markers in nonagenarians. We also studied the effects of a 4-week training cessation ('detraining') period on our study variables. Participants were randomly allocated to a standard-care (control) or intervention (exercise) group [n=20 (16 women)/group]. The intervention focused on supervised, light-to-moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises (mainly leg press), and included 3 weekly sessions. Cognitive status was determined by the mini-mental state examination and geriatric depression scale. We analysed proteins with reported relation with mechanisms behind cognition changes such as serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme, amyloid-precursor protein, epidermal growth factor, brain-derived neural factor and tumor necrosis factor. No significant change (P>0.05) in any of the variables studied was found following the exercise intervention compared with the standard-care group. Similarly, no significant changes (P>0.05) were observed following the detraining period compared with the standard-care group. Overall changes after the exercise intervention in serum biomarkers were not associated with changes in functional capacity and cognitive measures. An 8-week exercise intervention focusing on resistance exercises neither benefits cognitive function nor affects the levels of the serum proteins analysed in nonagenarians.