Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, HCP, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
BMC Geriatr. 2019 Mar 13;19(1):81. doi: 10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4.
Older adults often suffer from age- and behavior-related brain changes affecting neuronal functioning and, therefore, cognitive and motor functions. The improvement of these functions might decrease falls and improve mobility. Previous studies indicate that video game-based physical exercise, so-called exergames, or omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) improve motor and cognitive functioning through brain adaptations. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exergame training combined with fish oil supplementation on neuronal system levels in the brain and behavioral measurements in older adults. We hypothesized that the combination would differently affect these factors compared to the sole administration of exergame.
Fifty-eight participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups (N = 29 each group) in a parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled trial lasting 26 weeks. The experimental group received daily fish oil, whereas the control group received daily olive oil. After 16 weeks, both groups started with an exergame training. Measurements were performed pre, during, and post intervention. Primary outcomes were recruitment curves using transcranial magnetic stimulation and response-locked potentials using electroencephalography. Secondary outcomes included executive functions and gait parameters. Blood samples were taken to control for FAs.
Forty-three individuals (mean age 69.4 ± 4.6 years) completed the study (N = 22, N = 21). The results showed no significant time × group interaction effects for any parameters. Blood samples demonstrated significant time × group interaction effects. Post-hoc tests showed a significant increase of omega-3 FAs (p < .001) and a significant decrease of omega-6 FAs (p < .001) for the experimental group.
The combination of exergame training and fish oil did not lead to additional beneficial effects. To trigger possible effects, future studies should carefully consider study design aspects; e.g. study duration, individual nutritional supplementation dose, omega-3 FAs supplementation composition, and placebo. Furthermore, studies should consider neuroimaging methods as these might be more sensitive to assess early brain adaptations. Thus, future studies should be aware of several aspects running a combinatory study that includes omega-3 FAs according to their expected effects.
Swiss National Clinical Trials SNCTP000001623 and ISRCTN12084831 registered 30 November 2015.
老年人常因年龄和行为相关的大脑变化而遭受影响神经元功能的影响，从而影响认知和运动功能。这些功能的改善可能会减少跌倒并提高活动能力。先前的研究表明，基于视频游戏的体育锻炼，即所谓的运动游戏，或ω-3 脂肪酸（FA）可通过大脑适应来改善运动和认知功能。本研究的目的是评估运动游戏训练与鱼油补充相结合对老年人大脑中神经元系统水平和行为测量的影响。我们假设与单独进行运动游戏相比，这种组合会对这些因素产生不同的影响。
58 名参与者被随机分配到平行、双盲、随机对照试验的两组（每组 29 人），持续 26 周。实验组每天服用鱼油，而对照组每天服用橄榄油。16 周后，两组均开始进行运动游戏训练。在干预前、中、后进行测量。主要结局指标是使用经颅磁刺激和脑电图记录的反应锁定电位的募集曲线。次要结局指标包括执行功能和步态参数。采集血样以控制 FA。
43 名个体（平均年龄 69.4±4.6 岁）完成了研究（N=22，N=21）。结果表明，任何参数均未显示出时间×组间的显著交互作用。血液样本显示出时间×组间的显著交互作用。事后检验显示，实验组的ω-3 FA 显著增加（p<0.001），ω-6 FA 显著减少（p<0.001）。
运动游戏训练和鱼油的结合并没有带来额外的有益效果。为了引发可能的效果，未来的研究应仔细考虑研究设计方面；例如研究持续时间、个体营养补充剂量、ω-3 FA 补充成分和安慰剂。此外，研究还应考虑神经影像学方法，因为这些方法可能更敏感，可以评估早期大脑适应。因此，未来的研究应该意识到根据预期效果进行组合研究时应注意的几个方面。
瑞士国家临床试验 SNCTP000001623 和 ISRCTN12084831 于 2015 年 11 月 30 日注册。
