Contribution to a book

DZNE-2026-00844

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Investigations of adult neuroplasticity as an effect of long-term physical activity in old age

Petelin, A. (Editor) ; Bade, M. ; Hökelmann, A. ; Kaufmann, J. ; Leßmann, V. ; Müller, P.DZNE* ; Rehfeld, K. ; Müller, N. (Last author)DZNE*

2021
Založba Univerze na Primorskem / University of Primorska Press

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.26493/978-961-293-129-2.25-31

Abstract: Introduction: The growing number of elderly people in the populationis accompanied by an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, e.g.dementia, which will confront the healthcare system with majorchallenges in the future. Therefore, appropriate interventions are neededto support healthy aging combined with a high quality of life. Thepotential of the adult organism for neuronal plasticity, induced by longterm physical activity, was examined in an interdisciplinary project onaging research from neuroscientific, physiological, neuropsychologicaland sports science perspectives. Methods: In a longitudinal study with20 healthy elderly people (M=72.65, SD=4.31 years) the influence ofendurance and strength training as well as dance training on brainstructure, BDNF, memory, balance ability and endurance performancewas investigated. Measurements were performed before the start ofthe training phase, after 6 months, 18 months and 5 years. StructuralMRI scans (FSL segmentation), blood analyses, the Verbal Learningand Memory Test (VLMT), Limits of Stability Test (LoS) and PhysicalWorking Capacity Test 130 (PWC 130) were conducted. Results: In bothgroups, we observed an increased volume in the left amygdala (F(3,36)= 3.760, p = .019, f = .56), a maintenance of BDNF concentration inblood plasma, an improvement in balance ability according to LoS interms of reaction time (F(3,42) = 6.379, p = .001, f = . 67), movementvelocity (F(3,42) = 4.925, p = .005, f = .59), endpoint (F(1.83, 25.58) = 9.221,p = .001, f = .81), maximum dislocation (F(3,42) = 12. 476, p < .001, f =.94) and direction control (F(3,42) = 6.542, p = .001, f = .68) as well asa stabilization of the performance in PWC 130. Memory performanceimproved significantly in the dance group with regard to recognitionperformance (X²(3, N=8) = 12.197, p = .007). Discussion and conclusions:The neuroplasticity effect was confirmed as a result of both trainingmeasures based on neurostructural, molecular, cognitive, coordinative and conditional adaptation phenomena in the adult organism. The studyshowed that a long-term physically active lifestyle leads to preservationof performance and thus to a higher quality of life as well as autonomy inold age. It should be emphasized that only dance training contributed tocognitive performance enhancement.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neuroprotection (AG Müller)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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