Effects of Moderate Aerobic Training on Cognitive Performance and Dyslipidemia in Sedentary Older Adults

Abstract

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on the levels of lipids and lipoprotein; Lipo(a) markers and its association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Methods: A total of 150 healthy subjects (100 males, 50 females; age range; 65-95Yrs) were recruited for this study. Based up on LOTCA test score, subjects were classified randomly into two groups control group (n= 50) and cognitive impairment group (n=100).Cognitive functioning, Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lipid profile; total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c, LDL-C, and Lipo(a) were assessed at baseline and post- 24 week aerobic exercise interventions using LOTCA battery, pre validated PA questionnaire, colorimetric and immunoassay techniques respectively. Results. Significant improvements in the cognitive function and modulation in lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) markers were reported in all older subjects following 24 week of moderate exercise. LOTCA-7-sets scores showed a significant correlation with physical activity status and the regulation of lipids and lipo(a) markers. Physically active persons showed a higher cognitive performance along with reduction in the levels of T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, Lipo(a) , and increase in the levels of HDL-C and aerobic fitness VO2max compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with the increase in aerobic fitness, HDL-C, and negatively with T-Cholest.,TG, LDL-C, Lipo(a) respectively. However, a significant increase, in the improvement of motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, attention and concentration was reported among older adults. Conclusions: The data concluded that supervised moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks plays a positive significant effect in improving cognitive functions via modulating lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) of older adults.