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01-04-2017 | Short Communication

Effects of resistance training in gray matter density of elderly

Authors: Eduardo Bodnariuc Fontes, Cleiton Augusto Libardi, Gabriela Castellano, Alexandre Hideki Okano, Paula Teixeira Fernandes, Mara Patricia Chacon-Mikahil, Carlos Ugrinowitsch, Claudia Regina Cavaglieri, Li Min Li

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Introduction

Aging has been shown to be associated with decreases in brain and muscle tissues, accompanied by dysfunction in cognition and functionality, respectively. Resistance training (RT) has been widely recommended to mitigate muscle loss but its effects on brain tissue are still unclear.

Purpose

This study verified the effects of 12 weeks of RT on gray matter density in elderly.

Methods

Seven participants (four men and three women; 61.3 ± 2.8 years; 68.7 ± 16.5 kg; 161 ± 12 cm) had the brain anatomy and thigh cross sectional area obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after RT. Gray matter density was then separated and compared between pre and post exercise intervention.

Results

Data showed that RT promoted increases in gray matter density in the posterior and anterior lobe of cerebellum, superior frontal gyrus in the frontal lobe and anterior cingulate cortex in the limbic lobe (p < 0.001). Additionally, RT also increased thigh cross-sectional area and muscle strength (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that resistance training may be an alternative intervention to improve neuronal density in brain regions related to motor control and cognition in the elderly.

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Title: Effects of resistance training in gray matter density of elderly
Authors: Eduardo Bodnariuc Fontes
Cleiton Augusto Libardi
Gabriela Castellano
Alexandre Hideki Okano
Paula Teixeira Fernandes
Mara Patricia Chacon-Mikahil
Carlos Ugrinowitsch
Claudia Regina Cavaglieri
Li Min Li
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-016-0298-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of resistance training in gray matter density of elderly

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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