Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2021, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (12): 2479-2485.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.313067

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Effects of a multimodal exercise protocol on functional outcomes, epigenetic modulation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in institutionalized older adults: a quasi-experimental pilot study

Iasmin Fraga1, Camila Weber2, Wériton Baldo Galiano2, Lucio Iraci2, Mariana Wohlgemuth2, Gabriela Morales2, Camila Cercato2, Juliana Rodriguez2, Daniela Pochmann3, Caroline Dani3, Pérsia Menz4, Adriane Dal Bosco2, Viviane Rostirola Elsner1, 2, 3, *   

  1. 1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil; 2Curso de Fisioterapia do Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil; 3Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Reabilitação, Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil; 4Physiotherapist, working in Long-Term Institutions, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
  • Online:2021-12-15 Published:2021-05-15
  • Contact: Viviane Rostirola Elsner, elsner.viviane@gmail.com.

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Abstract: Epigenetic changes have been shown to be associated with both aging process and aging-related diseases. There is evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity on the functionality, cognition, and quality of life of institutionalized older adults, however, the molecular mechanisms involved are not elucidated. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of a multimodal exercise intervention on functional outcomes, cognitive performance, quality of life (QOL), epigenetic markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among institutionalized older adult individuals. Participants (n = 8) without dementia who were aged 73.38 ± 11.28 years and predominantly female (87.5%) were included in this quasi-experimental pilot study. A multimodal exercise protocol (cardiovascular capacity, strength, balance/agility and flexibility, perception and cognition) consisted of twice weekly sessions (60 minutes each) over 8 weeks. Balance (Berg Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go test), functional capacity (Six-Minute Walk test), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) and QOL (the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale questionnaire) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Blood sample (15 mL) was also collected before and after intervention for analysis of biomarkers global histone H3 acetylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Significant improvements were observed in cognitive function, balance, mobility, functional capacity and QOL after the intervention. In addition, a tendency toward an increase in global histone H3 acetylation levels was observed, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor level remained unchanged. This study provided evidence that an 8-week multimodal exercise protocol has a significant effect on ameliorating functional outcomes and QOL in institutionalized older adult individuals. In addition, it was also able to promote cognitive improvement, which seems to be partially related to histone hyperacetylation status. The Ethics Research Committee of Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA, Brazil approved the current study on June 6, 2019 (approval No. 3.376.078). 

Key words: aging, balance, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, cognition, epigenetics, physical exercise, quality of life, risk of falling

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