Effect of boxing exergame addition on brain-derived neurotrophic factor of elderly women

Background and objectives. The elderly population is growing rapidly. The aging process will result in the decline of cognitive functions. The frequency of cognitive impairment is higher in women than in men, resulting in a greater risk of decreased quality of life and dependence. Brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF) is part of neurotrophins that play a key role in the cognitive process. Physical exercise can improve cognitive function in the normal aging process by triggering increased expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, one type of which is exergame boxing. This study aims to analyze the effect of the exergame boxing addition on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor of elderly women. Materials and methods. The study subjects were 30 elderly women, divided into treatment and control groups. Participants in the treatment group practiced exergame boxing three times per week for eight weeks. Participants in both groups were required to participate in light intensity aerobic exercise five times a week for ±15 minutes. Serum BDNF levels were assessed before and after eight weeks of exercise. Results. There was a significant increase in serum BDNF levels after the addition of exergame boxing for eight weeks in the treatment group (p=0.002) with an effect size of 0,62. There was no significant increase in serum BDNF levels after eight weeks of light intensity aerobic exercise in the control group (p-value=0.480). There was a significant difference in the treatment group who received the addition of exergame boxing training for eight weeks compared to the control group who only received light intensity aerobic exercise (p=0.038). Conclusion. The addition of boxing exergame to light intensity aerobic exercise for eight weeks can improve the BDNF serum of elderly women compared to the use of light intensity aerobic exercise alone.