Short-term Aquatic-training Can Improve Serum Bdnf Levels Without Changes On Functional Fitness In Mexican Elders

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of aquatic exercise training on serum BDNF levels and functionality in an elderly Mexican population. METHODS: Eleven older adults were recruited for this study (Age = 63.9 ± 7.5 yr.; BMI = 27.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2; Muscle Mass = 21.3 ± 6.8). The participants performed an aquatic exercise program three 50-minute sessions weekly during four weeks. The exercise program included aerobic exercises (walk, knee raise-skipping-heel lifts-butt-kicks), and strength exercises (squats, arm exercises swimming, extension exercises, hip abduction and adduction, lateral steps, heel raises, lateral pushes, front pushes). Exercise intensity was measured by rated perceived exertion. Before the start and 24-hours after the aquatic exercise program, functional fitness and serum BDNF levels, were assessed in the participants. RESULTS: Serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after the intervention (p = 0.0134). Nevertheless, aquatic physical exercise did not change functional fitness squats (p = 0.0835), biceps curl (p = 0.6579) and time up and go (p = 0.5044). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that in Mexican elders, short-term aquatic exercise can significantly increase serum BDNF levels, in the absence of improvements on functional fitness.23 Convocatoria Interna de Apoyo a Proyectos de Investigación de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México" (Register Number 431/2/C/38/23). The funders have no role in decision-making or writing of the manuscript.