Study design The study was designed as a prospective controlled randomized trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the experimental group, participants (n = 17) received 8-week aerobic exercise intervention without nutrition modifications. In the control group, participants (n = 16) did not undergo any intervention and were instructed to maintain their regular physical activity and diet regime for 8 weeks. Experimental measurements: Anthropometric measurements, Measurement of BDNF, Cardiac autonomic responses, Measurement of aerobic fitness, Measurement of cognitive functions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
8-week aerobic exercise (moderate intensity), 5 times per week, 60 min per session. Exercise training under supervision of trained staff.
Lithuanian Sports University
Kaunas, Lithuania
Weight
weight (TBF-300 body composition scale; Tanita, UK Ltd., UK) was measured while the participants wore only underwear and were barefoot.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected and allowed to clot at room temperature. Serum was then separated by centrifugation for 15 min at 1,200 g (room temperature) and stored at -80°C until analysis. BDNF were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay system (Gemini; Stratec Biomedical, Birkenfeld, Germany).
Time frame: 8 weeks
Cognitive performance
Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics Version 4 (ANAM-4; Vista Life, USA) was used to measure neurocognitive skills: motor reaction time, mental flexibility, mathematical processing, working memory, visual scanning and associative learning skills. Participants were familiarized with the test battery twice before the experiments.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Maximal oxygen uptake
Aerobic fitness was assessed by a graded exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Ergoselect 100, Ergoline, Bitz, Germany). Standardized verbal encouragement was provided throughout the test to stimulate maximal performance.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Waist and hip circumference
Waist circumference was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm, in duplicate, at the level of the iliac crest at the end of the normal expiration. Hip circumference was measured at the maximum protuberance of the buttocks. Waist and hip circumferences were measured at the nearest 0.5 cm.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Resting blood pressure
was measured using a digital electronic blood pressure monitor (Microlife BP A100, Widnau, Switzerland)
Time frame: 8 weeks
Heart rate variability
R-R intervals were recorded using a Polar H7 sensor with a chest strap (Kempele, Finland).
Time frame: 8 weeks
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