Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Interleukin-6, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Cognitive Function in Obese Older Women

Abstract

Background: This study examined the effects of different exercise modalities on body composition, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cognitive function in obese older women. Methods: A total of 54 women aged ≥65 years were randomized to the control (CON), aerobic aquatic exercise (AAE), aerobic dance exercise (ADE), or combined aerobic and resistance exercise (AE+RE) groups.Results: Significant time-by-group interactions were observed for body weight (BW), body fat percentage (%BF), IL-6, and Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) scores.The AAE and ADE groups showed significant reductions in BW and %BF, and fat-free mass increased only in the AAE group (P<0.01).brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increased in the AAE and ADE groups (both P<0.01), whereas IL-6 decreased in both groups (ADE, P<0.05; AAE, P<0.01).MMSE-K scores improved in all exercise groups, with scores in the AE+RE and AAE groups significantly higher than those in the CON group (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively).Conclusion: Moderate-intensity aquatic and dance-based aerobic exercise over 12 weeks improved both metabolic health and cognitive function in obese older women and was accompanied by reductions in IL-6 and increases in BDNF.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 2026 · DOI ↗