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Volume 18, Issue 1 (2026)
Iran J War Public Health 2026, 18(1): 57-64 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.B.REC.1403.044
History
Received: 2025/11/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/15 | Published: 2026/01/29
Received: 2025/11/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/15 | Published: 2026/01/29
How to cite this article
Hasanvand B. Effect of Functional Training on Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor and Cognitive Flexibility in Obese Elderly Men. Iran J War Public Health 2026; 18 (1) :57-64
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Authors
B. Hasanvand *
Department of Physical Education, Khor.C. (Khorramabad Campus), Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
Abstract (197 Views)
Aims: Physical exercise is a useful stimulus for improving cognitive function in the elderly, and this effect appears to be mediated by stimulating the secretion of neurotrophic growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of functional training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and executive functions in obese elderly men.
Materials & Methods: The present quasi-experimental study, using a pre-test/post-test design, was conducted with 30 elderly men living in a nursing home in Khorramabad, aged 60 to 75, who were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). In the pre-test phase, blood was drawn from participants after a 12-hour fast, and they then completed the Stroop task. Physical training was performed for eight weeks, 3 sessions per week, with each session lasting 40 minutes. The post-test phase was conducted 48 hours after the last training session and followed the same procedures as the pre-test. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and univariate analysis of covariance.
Findings: Functional training had a significant effect on increasing the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in obese elderly men, with the experimental group maintaining BDNF levels from 939.13±83.83ng/mL pre-test to 934.80±68.77ng/mL post-test, while the control group showed a decrease from 944.00±87.60ng/mL to 871.53±28.97ng/mL (p<0.05). Functional training also significantly improved executive functions, as evidenced by changes in accuracy (number of correct responses) from 32.33±89.4 to 27.93±39.6 in the experimental group compared to 27.46±36.6 to 28.33±80.4 in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Functional training elevates serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and enhances cognitive flexibility in obese elderly men.
Materials & Methods: The present quasi-experimental study, using a pre-test/post-test design, was conducted with 30 elderly men living in a nursing home in Khorramabad, aged 60 to 75, who were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). In the pre-test phase, blood was drawn from participants after a 12-hour fast, and they then completed the Stroop task. Physical training was performed for eight weeks, 3 sessions per week, with each session lasting 40 minutes. The post-test phase was conducted 48 hours after the last training session and followed the same procedures as the pre-test. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and univariate analysis of covariance.
Findings: Functional training had a significant effect on increasing the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in obese elderly men, with the experimental group maintaining BDNF levels from 939.13±83.83ng/mL pre-test to 934.80±68.77ng/mL post-test, while the control group showed a decrease from 944.00±87.60ng/mL to 871.53±28.97ng/mL (p<0.05). Functional training also significantly improved executive functions, as evidenced by changes in accuracy (number of correct responses) from 32.33±89.4 to 27.93±39.6 in the experimental group compared to 27.46±36.6 to 28.33±80.4 in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Functional training elevates serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and enhances cognitive flexibility in obese elderly men.
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