Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Gerontology. 2013;59(4):316-23. doi: 10.1159/000350927. Epub 2013 May 3.
Physical exercise has a positive effect on cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL). One reason for this is the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which improves brain plasticity. Intermittent hypoxia promotes first the proliferation of endogenous neuroprogenitors which leads to an increased number of newborn neurons and second the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the adult hippocampus. Intermittent hypoxia may, therefore, support synaptic plasticity, the process of learning and provoke antidepressant-like effects. Hence, intermittent hypoxia might also lead to improved cognitive functioning and QoL.
This study aims to evaluate to what extent physical activity with preceded intermittent hypoxic training is more effective than solely strength-endurance training on cognitive performance and QoL.
34 retired people aged between 60 and 70 years were randomly assigned to a control group or intervention group. Contrarily to the control group, which was supplied with a placebo air mixture, the intervention group was supplied with an intermittent hypoxic training prior to a strength-endurance exercise program. The cognitive performance of individuals was examined using the d2 test and the Number Combination Test (ZVT) both before and after the exercise program. We assessed QoL with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-12) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the strength-endurance capacity using the Spring test.
Regarding the d2 test, a time × group effect was observed. Speed of cognitive performance in seconds was measured using ZVT. Here, no interaction effect was discovered. An interaction effect was not found in the Physical Component Summary scores (SF-12). Regarding the Mental Component Summary, an interaction effect just failed to become statistically significant. Furthermore, we determined sleep quality with the PSQI. Here, an interaction effect was observed. The analysis of the strength-endurance test revealed no interaction effects.
The data of the current study suggest that an additional intermittent hypoxic training combined with physical exercise augments the positive effects of exercise on cognitive performance and QoL in elderly humans.
体育锻炼对认知表现和生活质量（QoL）有积极影响。原因之一是脑源性神经营养因子的上调，这改善了大脑的可塑性。间歇性低氧首先促进内源性神经祖细胞的增殖，从而导致新生神经元数量增加，其次促进成年海马体中脑源性神经营养因子的表达。因此，间歇性低氧可能支持突触可塑性、学习过程并引发抗抑郁样效应。因此，间歇性低氧也可能导致认知功能和生活质量的提高。
本研究旨在评估与仅进行力量耐力训练相比，先进行间歇性低氧训练再进行体育活动在认知表现和生活质量方面的效果。
34 名年龄在 60 至 70 岁之间的退休人员被随机分配到对照组或干预组。与对照组（接受安慰剂空气混合物）不同，干预组在进行力量耐力训练计划之前接受间歇性低氧训练。个体的认知表现使用 d2 测试和数字组合测试（ZVT）进行评估，在运动计划前后进行。我们使用医疗结局研究短式 36 项健康调查（SF-12）和匹兹堡睡眠质量指数（PSQI）评估生活质量，使用 Spring 测试评估力量耐力能力。
关于 d2 测试，观察到时间×组的效应。使用 ZVT 测量认知性能的速度（以秒为单位）。这里没有发现交互效应。在 SF-12 的物理成分综合评分中没有发现交互效应。关于心理成分综合评分，交互效应仅未达到统计学意义。此外，我们使用 PSQI 确定睡眠质量。这里观察到交互效应。在力量耐力测试的分析中没有发现交互效应。
本研究的数据表明，额外的间歇性低氧训练与体育锻炼相结合，可以增强运动对老年人认知表现和生活质量的积极影响。
