Physical exercise interventions have no effect on serum BDNF concentration in older adults living in long-term nursing homes

Chloe Rezola-Pardo; Gotzone Hervás; Haritz Arrieta; Alejandra Hernández-de Diego; Fatima Ruiz-Litago; Susana Maria Gil; Ana Rodriguez-Larrad; Jon Irazusta

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2020.111024

Physical exercise interventions have no effect on serum BDNF concentration in older adults living in long-term nursing homes

Exp Gerontol. 2020 Oct 1:139:111024. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111024. Epub 2020 Jul 18.

Authors

Chloe Rezola-Pardo¹, Gotzone Hervás², Haritz Arrieta³, Alejandra Hernández-de Diego⁴, Fatima Ruiz-Litago⁵, Susana Maria Gil⁶, Ana Rodriguez-Larrad⁷, Jon Irazusta⁸

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: chloe.rezola@ehu.eus.
² Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: gotzone.hervas@ehu.eus.
³ Department of Nursing II, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo Dr. J. Beguiristain, 105, Donostia/San Sebastian 20014, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Onkologikoa Foundation, Paseo Doctor Beguiristain, 121, Donostia/San Sebastián 20014, Gipuzkoa, Spain. Electronic address: haritz.arrieta@ehu.eus.
⁴ Zorroaga Foundation, Alto Zorroaga, 1, Donostia/San Sebastian 20014, Gipuzkoa, Spain. Electronic address: s.hernandez@zorroaga.eus.
⁵ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: fatima.ruiz@ehu.eus.
⁶ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: susana.gil@ehu.eus.
⁷ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: ana.rodriguez@ehu.eus.
⁸ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, Bo Sarriena s/n, Leioa 48940, Bizkaia, Spain. Electronic address: jon.irazusta@ehu.eus.

PMID: 32693009
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111024

Abstract

Physical exercise protects against age-related cognitive decline. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may mediate some of the cognitive benefits of physical exercise, but the effect of physical exercise on serum BDNF is unclear. Indeed, differential findings have been reported depending on the characteristics of the participants and the intensity, duration, and type of exercise. The aim of this study was to determine whether three different physical exercise interventions alter serum BDNF levels in older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNHs) and whether changes in physical, cognitive, and dual-task performance are related to changes in serum BDNF. LTNH study participants (n = 126) were randomly assigned to multicomponent or dual-task training or a walking program and serum BDNF levels were analyzed by ELISA. We also assessed physical, cognitive, and dual-task parameters. Neither the multicomponent, dual-task, nor walking exercise programs caused changes in serum BDNF concentration in older adults living in LTNHs. Changes in BDNF during the interventions were not significantly associated with modifications in physical, cognitive or dual-task performance parameters. Our results provide new evidence clarifying the relationship between physical and cognitive exercise and BDNF.

Keywords: BDNF; Cognition; Long-term nursing home; Physical exercise; Physical performance; Quality of life.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor*
Cognition
Exercise
Exercise Therapy*
Humans
Nursing Homes
Walking

Substances

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor