Integrated effects of a 12-week intermittent combined exercise on cognitive function, physical performance, and neurophysiological biomarkers in older women

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in both cognitive and physical function, and neuroinflammation and metabolic dysregulation often exacerbate this decline, particularly in older women. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week intermittent combined exercise program on cognitive function, physical performance, and neurophysiological biomarkers in community-dwelling women aged 75 years and older. Forty participants were recruited from a local welfare center and randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The exercise group participated in three supervised sessions per week that integrated aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, functional exercise, and cognitive exercise. Cognitive domains (attention, language, and memory) were assessed using the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Test-II. Physical function was assessed using the Geriatric Physical Fitness Test (chair stand, arm flexion, grip strength, and 6-min walk). Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Paired and independent <i>t</i>-tests were performed to evaluate pre- and posttest differences (α=0.05). After 12 weeks, the exercise group significantly improved memory (<i>P</i><0.05), lower upper-body muscle strength, grip strength, and walking endurance. Serum BDNF significantly increased (<i>P</i><0.01), and IL-6, TNF-α, LDL-C, and TG decreased (<i>P</i><0.05). HDL-C levels also significantly increased (<i>P</i><0.05). Intermittent combined exercise significantly improved cognitive and physical function and favorably modulated neurotrophic, inflammatory, and metabolic biomarkers in very elderly women.