Improvement of memory function via a combination of exercise and soy peptide supplementation in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Masakazu Imaoka; Hidetoshi Nakao; Misa Nakamura; Fumie Tazaki; Mitsumasa Hida; Ryota Imai; Motohiro Maebuchi; Masahisa Ibuki; Masatoshi Takeda

doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100998

Improvement of memory function via a combination of exercise and soy peptide supplementation in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2022 Sep 9:30:100998. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100998. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Authors

Masakazu Imaoka^{1

2

3

4}, Hidetoshi Nakao^{1

2}, Misa Nakamura^{1

2}, Fumie Tazaki^{1

2}, Mitsumasa Hida^{1

2}, Ryota Imai^{1

2}, Motohiro Maebuchi⁵, Masahisa Ibuki⁶, Masatoshi Takeda^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University, 158 Mizuma, Kaizuka, Osaka, 597-0104, Japan.
² Cognitive Reserve Research Center, 158 Mizuma, Kaizuka, Osaka, 597-0104, Japan.
³ Graduate School, Department of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino, Osaka, 583-8555, Japan.
⁴ Department of Preventive Gerontology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan.
⁵ Strategy Planning Department, R&D Division, Fuji Oil Co., Ltd., 1-1 Sumiyoshi, Izumisano, Osaka, 598-8540, Japan.
⁶ Japan Nutrition Co.,Ltd. Shin-Aoyama Bldg. West Tower 22F, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan.

Abstract

Background: Soy peptide, when consumed as a functional food, has been reported to improve cognitive function. This study aimed to verify the combined effect of soy peptide supplementation and exercise on cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.

Methods: In this population-based, non-blinded randomized controlled trial, 72 community-dwelling older adults who were independent in activities of daily living were randomly assigned to an "exercise plus nutrition" program (Ex + Nt group, n = 36) or an exercise program (Ex group, n = 36). For 3 months, both groups participated in an exercise and cognitive training regimen once per week, with the Ex + Nt group receiving soy supplementation once per week. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included grip strength, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass index, and scores on Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised, trail-making test A, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Participant enrollment for this study started in January 2019 and ended in April 2019.

Results: Exercise training increased the skeletal muscle mass index by 2.0% and 3.0% in the Ex + Nt and Ex groups, respectively. The Ex + Nt group exhibited a significant 0.3-point increase in the memory score.

Conclusion: A 3-month exercise program combined with soy peptide supplementation may be effective in improving both motor and memory function in community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords: ACE-R, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised; ANOVA, analysis of variance; BDNF, brain-derived neurotropic factor; Dietary supplements; Elderly; Ex, exercise-only group; Ex + Nt, exercise plus nutrition group; GDS-15, Geriatric Depression Scale 15; MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination; Memory; Motor function; SMI, skeletal muscle mass index; SPI, soy protein isolate.