Effects of 10-Week Tabata Resistance Training on Telomere-Regulating Factors (TRF1/TRF2) and BDNF Expression in Obese Older Women.

Objective: Exercise training can influence biomarkers associated with neuroprotection and neurogenesis in older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ten weeks of Tabata resistance training on the expression of TRF-1, TRF-2, and BDNF genes in obese older women. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 28 overweight and obese women with a body mass index of 30 ± 5 kg/m² and a mean age of 60 ± 5 years were randomly assigned into two equal groups: control and Tabata training (n = 14). The resistance training protocol consisted of three sessions per week for 10 weeks, lasting 45–60 minutes per session. Forty-eight hours after completion of the training program, blood samples were collected to evaluate the serum expression of TRF-1, TRF-2, and BDNF genes. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 with GraphPad software. Results: A significant increase was observed in the gene expression of TRF-1, TRF-2, and serum BDNF in the Tabata training group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings, Tabata resistance training may be considered an effective exercise strategy, and it is likely that obese older women can benefit from this approach to support neuronal protection and enhance cognitive function. Keywords: Aging, High-intensity interval training, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Telomere biology, Obesity