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This study aimed to examine the effects of grape juice consumption during 4 weeks alone or combined with a therapeutic exercise protocol on quality of life (SF-36), handgrip strength (dynamometry) and physical function performance evaluated through Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go, Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in elderly women. Nineteen healthy elderly women were distributed in Grape Juice Group (GJG, n=9) and Grape Juice + Exercise Group (GJEG, n=10). A significant improvement in handgrip strength and BBS were observed in GJG. Both groups showed increased values in 6MWT and the quality of life was significantly improved after intervention in GJEG. Daily grape juice consumption is able to improve some physical functional parameters in elderly women; however, when in combination with therapeutic exercise intervention may provide a more effective strategy to positively affect the quality of life.

Background: Emerging evidences have been pointed out that exercise in combination with dietary factors is able to affect molecular events related to synaptic plasticity and cognitive improvement. Therefore, this study sought to verify the impact of grape juice consumption and/or exercise in plasma neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and memory performance in elderly women. Methods: Nineteen healthy elderly women were randomly distributed in two groups: Grape Juice Group (GJG, n=9) and Grape Juice + Exercise Group (GJEG, n=10). The GJG was instructed to drunk daily the grape juice (400 ml) for 30 days, while the GJEG was also submitted to a physical exercise intervention (twice a week, 60 min/session). Memory function was assessed via the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and blood sampling was taken for BDNF analysis pre/post intervention in both groups. Results: It was observed a significant increase on BDNF levels in GJG (p=0.000) and GJEG (p=0.041) after intervention, while the memory improvement was verified only in GJEG (p=0.024). No differences between groups were found in the variables. Conclusion: In conclusion, the grape juice consumption per se is capable to modulates/increases BDNF levels, response that was not potentiated by exercise practice. On the other hand, the memory performance was improved only when grape juice consumption is combined to exercise intervention in healthy elderly women.