Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Interleukin-6, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Cognitive Function in Obese Older Women.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial compared control, aquatic aerobic exercise, aerobic dance, and combined aerobic and resistance exercise in obese women aged 65 years or older. Of 60 women assigned, 54 were included in the final analysis. Over 12 weeks, MMSE-K scores improved in all exercise groups; scores were significantly higher than control in the combined exercise group (P <0.001) and aquatic exercise group (P <0.01). Aquatic and dance exercise also increased BDNF and reduced IL-6, alongside improvements in body composition.

Key findings

• MMSE-K scores improved in all exercise groups and were significantly higher than control with combined exercise (P <0.001) and aquatic exercise (P <0.01).
• BDNF increased in the aquatic and dance exercise groups (both P <0.01).
• IL-6 decreased with dance exercise (P <0.05) and aquatic exercise (P <0.01).
• Body weight and body fat percentage decreased with aquatic and dance exercise; fat-free mass increased only with aquatic exercise (P <0.01).

Why it matters

The findings suggest that exercise modality may be relevant when considering both cognitive and metabolic outcomes in obese older women. Improvements in cognitive scores occurred across exercise groups, while aquatic and dance-based aerobic exercise were also accompanied by changes in IL-6 and BDNF. These results add evidence about potential benefits of structured exercise in this population.

What to keep in mind

Six of the 60 randomly assigned participants were not included in the final analysis; the abstract does not report why.