Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brain vitalisation gymnastics (BVG) is a form of physical exercise which attempts to synchronise bodily movements with cognition within the same time frame. AIM: This study aims to prove BVG can improve cognitive function among the elderly. METHODS: The impact of BVG was evaluated as opposed to elderly gymnastics (regarded as a control group) for a 4-week study period. Outcomes measured were improvements of cognitive function assessed by MoCA-Ina questionnaire, as well as the difference in serum levels of BDNF, IL-6, and S100β. An experimental pretest-posttest control design was applied to evaluate BDNF and IL-6 levels, while the post-test only designed to evaluate S100β levels. Parametric data were tested for normality before being proceeded into either parametric (independent student' t) or non-parametric (Mann Whitney) test. RESULTS: BVG significantly improved cognitive function better than elderly gymnastics with MoCA-Ina score of 1.53 ± 1.58 dan 0.11 ± 2.54, respectively (p ≤ 0.047). BVG group also had increased BDNF levels when compared with control (-6020.58 ± 7857.22 dan 0.11 ± 2.54; p = 0.027). Whereas BVG had lower IL-6 levels as opposed to the control group (median pre-test IL-6: 2212, median post-test IL-6: 3197.50; p = 0.004). Meanwhile, S100β levels were found lower among BVG when compared with the control group, although statistically insignificant (p = 0.40). CONCLUSION: BVG programme for 4 weeks improved: (1) brain plasticity as shown by increased serum BDNF and S100β levels (although the latter was statistically not-significant), as well as marked decrease of IL-6 levels, (2) cognitive function as proven by an increase of MoCA-Ina score when compared with elderly gymnastics.