Combined Training Improves Executive Functions Without Changing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels of Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provokes executive function and long-term memory decrements, and aerobic plus resistance training (combined training) may alleviate this T2DM-related cognitive impairment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been found to be related to cognitive performance. AIM: To analyze the effects of 8-week combined training on executive functions and circulating BDNF levels of subjects with T2DM and verify the association between BDNF levels and combined training-induced changes in executive functions and long-term memory. METHODS: Thirty-five (63±8 years old) subjects of both sexes were allocated to combined training (n=17, thrice weekly for 8 weeks) or the control group (n=18). Executive functions (evaluated through Trail making test, Stroop color task, and Digit Span), long-term memory (evaluated through the Taylor Complex Figure Test simplified), and plasma samples were compared pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Combined training improved executive function z-score compared to control (d=1.31). Otherwise, BDNF levels were not statistically altered (combined training group: 179±88 pg/mL vs. 148±108 pg/mL; control group: 163±71 pg/mL vs. 141±84 pg/mL, p>0.05). However, pre-training BDNF levels explained 50.4% of the longitudinal improvements in composite executive function z-score (r=0.71, p<0.01), 33.6% of inhibitory control (r=0.58; p=0.02), and 31.4% of cognitive flexibility (r=0.56, p=0.04) in the combined training group. CONCLUSION: Combined training improved executive functions independently of alterations in resting BDNF levels after 8 weeks. Furthermore, pre-training BDNF levels explained one-half of the variance in combined training-induced improvements in executive functions.

Combined exercise training improves specific domains of cognitive functions and metabolic markers in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To investigate the effects of 8-weeks of CT on specific domains of cognitive function, metabolic and cardiovascular parameters of subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: 31 sedentary T2DM adults and older divided into CT (3x/week, during 8-week, n = 16) or Control group (CONT, n = 15). Before and after the intervention, a cognitive task battery, blood samples, and functional tests were assessed. RESULTS: CT improved inhibitory control (d = 0.89), working memory (d = 0.88), cognitive flexibility (d = 0.67) and attention/concentration (d = 0.64) in T2DM subjects. However, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed (d < 0.1, p > 0.05 for all) were not changed. The CT-induced improvements on global cognitive z-score (r = -0.51; p < 0.001) were inversely correlated to cognitive screening scores. Moreover, CT improved functional performance (p < 0.05) and reduced insulin levels (p = 0.04). Although there was no statistical significance, there were a clinically relevant reduction of peripheral insulin sensitivity (d = 0.51, p = 0.09), resistin levels (d = 0.53, p = 0.08), diastolic (d = 0.63, p = 0.09) and mean blood pressure (d = 0.50, p = 0.09). Conversely, no changes were observed for glucose, fructosamine and blood lipids (d < 0.2 for all). CONCLUSION: CT partially reversed the negative effects of T2DM on specific cognitive domains possibly by amelioration of metabolic regulation. Moreover, lower cognitive scores may modulate the responsivity of cognitive function to CT.

Relationship between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in children: A cross-sectional study / Relação da capacidade aeróbica com o peso ao nascer e padrões de aleitamento materno em crianças: um corte transversal de escolares

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze if aerobic capacity is related to Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in boys and girls, products of a term pregnancy and normal weight. Methods A representative sample of 230 Brazilian children (6-10 years old), born at term (after 37-weeks' gestation) with normal weight (between 2.5 and 4.0kg). These children performed a Yo-Yo Test to estimate their aerobic capacity and mothers reported their children's Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns. Results We did not observe any significant associations between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding time in either sexes (p>0.05). Conclusion These results indicate that aerobic capacity is not related with Birth Weight or breastfeeding time in children born with normal weight and gestational age, suggesting that this complex physiological parameter does not appear to be determined by intrauterine factors that dictate the Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in the beginning of life.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a relação do desempenho aeróbico com o peso ao nascer e padrões de aleitamento materno na infância de crianças nascidas a termo com peso gestacional adequado. Métodos Duzentas e trinta crianças (6-10 anos), nascidas a termo (pós-37 semanas de gestação) e com peso normal (entre 2,5 e 4kg) participaram do estudo. O desempenho aeróbico foi estimado pelo Yo-Yo Test. O peso ao nascer e os padrões de aleitamento materno foram relatados pelas mães das crianças mediante questionário. A correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para avaliar a relação do desempenho aeróbico com o peso ao nascer e a duração do aleitamento materno. Resultados Não observou-se relação do desempenho aeróbico com o peso ao nascer ou com a duração do aleitamento materno em nenhum dos sexos (p>0,05). Conclusão Os resultados apontam que o desempenho aeróbico não está relacionado ao peso ao nascer e nem à duração do aleitamento materno em crianças nascidas a termo e com peso normal, sugerindo que este parâmetro fisiológico parece não ser associado à fatores intrauterinos que determinam o peso no nascimento e nem ao padrão alimentar no início da vida.