Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of 2 standardized exercise programs, muscle
strength exercises (SE) and aerobic exercises (AE), on the plasma levels of
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depressive symptoms in 451 elderly
women. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING:
Belo Horizonte /MG-Brazil.
PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older women (N=451; age, 65-89y). INTERVENTION:
The participants were divided into 2 groups: SE and AE. Both protocols lasted 10
weeks, and 30 sessions (1-h sessions) in total were performed 3 times a week
under the direct supervision of physical therapists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Plasma levels of BDNF (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and depressive symptoms
(Geriatric Depression Scale). RESULTS: There was a significant difference for
BDNF plasma levels between the SE and AE groups (P=.009). Post hoc analysis
revealed a pre-post intervention difference in BDNF levels only for the SE group
(P=.008). A statistically significant difference was found for the pre- and
postintervention Geriatric Depression Scale scores in both groups (P=.001),
showing that the effects of both exercise protocols were comparable regarding
depressive symptoms (P=.185). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings have demonstrated
the positive effect of muscle strengthening and aerobic intervention on
depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elderly women. Interestingly, only SE
significantly increased the plasma levels of BDNF in our sample. The positive
effects of physical exercise on depressive symptoms in the elderly were not
mediated by BDNF.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS