Effects of a physical fitness program on memory and blood viscosity in sedentary elderly men

Autor(es)

Antunes, H. K. ^{[1, 2]} ; De Mello, M. T. ^{[3, 2, 4]} ; Santos-Galduroz, R. F. ^[5] ; Galduroz, J. C. F. ^[3] ; Aquino Lemos, V. ^{[3, 2]} ; Tufik, S. ^[3] ; Bueno, O. F. A. ^[3]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biociencias, Santos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Ctr Estudos Psicobiol & Exercicio, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Fac Educ Fis Fisioterapia & Terapia Ocupac, Dept Esportes, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[5] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Matemat Comp & Cognicao, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 48, n. 9, p. 805-812, SEP 2015.
• Citações Web of Science: 6

Resumo

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-month exercise program on cognitive function and blood viscosity in sedentary elderly men. Forty-six healthy inactive men, aged 60–75 years were randomly distributed into a control group (n=23) and an experimental group (n=23). Participants underwent blood analysis and physical and memory evaluation, before and after the 6-month program of physical exercise. The control group was instructed not to alter its everyday activities; the experimental group took part in the fitness program. The program was conducted using a cycle ergometer, 3 times per week on alternate days, with intensity and volume individualized at ventilatory threshold 1. Sessions were continuous and maximum duration was 60 min each. There was significant improvement in memory (21%; P<0.05), decreased blood viscosity (−19%; P<0.05), and higher aerobic capacity (48%; P<0.05) among participants in the experimental group compared with the control group. These data suggest that taking part in an aerobic physical fitness program at an intensity corresponding to ventilatory threshold-1 may be considered a nonmedication alternative to improve physical and cognitive function. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 98/14303-3 - Center for Sleep Studies
• Beneficiário: Sergio Tufik
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs