Effects of Regulatory Resistance Exercise on Brain Neuroplasticity Factors in Prediabetic Elderly

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether regulatory resistance exercise is as effective as aerobic training at improving the blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factors (NGF) as well as Cathepsin B, which are major factors contributing to the regulation of glucose metabolism and neuroplasticity, in prediabetic elderly.METHODS:Among the elderly aged 65 years or older who attended the B welfare center in C city, 16 patients who had no disease and had HbA1c of 5.7-6.4% were randomly assigned into either control group (CO, n=8, age 69.12±2.07 years) and resistance exercise group (RE, n=8, 71.25±1.69 years). Both groups were exercised three times a week for 12 weeks with the exercise intensity of 200- 250 kcal consumed Body composition and basic physical fitness tests were measured at baseline and at week 12. Blood levels of BDNF, NGF and Cathepsin B were also analyzed by using glucose metabolism factor and enzyme immunoassay.RESULTS:As a result, there were no significant differences in all body composition in both CO and RE. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in all variables of the glycolysis factor. The blood levels of BDNF and NGF were significantly increased after the 12 weeks exercise program in the RE compared with the CO (p<.05).CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, regular resistance exercise seems to be effective in increasing the brain neuroplasticity factors BDNF and NGF in prediabetic elderly. Depending on the prediabetes stage or the period of stay in the diabetic stage, further study is needed after considering the exercise period and intensity.