Effect of Multicomponent Exercise and Nutrition Support on the Cognitive Function of Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared the effects of a combination of soy peptide supplementation and exercise with those of exercise only, on the cognitive function of elderly adults.

Patients and methods

This randomized, non-blinded, controlled clinical trial included 67 participants aged 60 years or more with non-cognitive dysfunction who were divided into two groups according to the intervention method: an exercise group (Ex group, n = 36) and an exercise plus nutrition group (Ex+Nt group, n = 31). The Ex group completed a memory training activity for 15 mins and aerobic exercise for 45 mins once a week for 90 days. The Ex+Nt group completed the same training plus received soy peptide for 90 days. The Mini-Mental Status Examination score, trail-making test A/B score, skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, gait speed, and geriatric depression scale were measured at baseline and post intervention. For comparison between the pretest and posttest measurements to determine the intervention effects, a two-way analysis of variance was performed. The significance level was set at < 5%.

Results

A two-way analysis of variance revealed significant time effects on trail-making test-A score, skeletal muscle index, grip strength, and gait speed in both groups. There were significant time x group interactions for greater increase in calculation score.

Conclusion

A combination of exercise and soy peptide supplementation was effective in improving a portion of cognitive function.

Keywords:

• dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Mini-Mental Status Examination
• soy peptide

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Ms Kanako Kodama, Ms Masako Kawano, Ms Saeko Araki, Ms Kaori Hamamura, and senior volunteer staff for their contributions to data collection.

Research Ethics and Informed Consent

The Ethics Committee of the Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University (Reference No. OKRU29-A021) approved the trial protocol and the trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000030404). Written informed consent for study participation was obtained from all the participants in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and no stipend was provided.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting and revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

M Maebuchi and M Ibuki are employees of Fuji Oil Co. Ltd., which produces Peptide Athleeta 4000. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.