Page 30 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
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avje starostnikov | health of the elderly 28 Structural volume changes of the brain were quantified using magnet-
ic resonance imaging (MRI). A Siemens MAGNETOM Verio 3 Tesla magnetic
resonance imaging scanner was used to collect the imaging data for this study.
Based on high-resolution T1-weighted MR images, the amygdala volumes were
estimated separately for each hemisphere using the segmentation and regis-
tration tool FIRST, which is part of the FMRIB’s Software Library (FSL) (Pat-
enaude et al., 2011). Blood samples, which were always collected in the morning
in a fasting state, were analyzed using an ELISA kit (Enzyme Linked Immu-
no Sorbent Assay) and tested for neutrophins (specifically BDNF). BDNF con-
centrations in blood plasma, blood serum, and whole blood were determined,
as well as the ratio of blood serum to plasma BDNF concentrations. Long-term
regular physical activity and moderate to intense exercise induce an increase
in BDNF receptors in brain regions responsible for motor activity and prevent
neurodegeneration (Erickson et al., 2011). To measure memory performance,
the Verbal Learning and Memory Test (VLMT) was performed. This test meas-
ures the performance of verbal declarative episodic memory (Helmstaedter et
al., 2001). Balance ability was assessed using the limits of stability (LoS) test.
This measures numerous movement characteristics related to the subject’s abil-
ity to swing voluntarily to different positions in space and briefly maintain bal-
ance at these positions. The test includes reaction time, movement speed, max-
imum deflection and endpoint deflection, as well as directional control. The
Physical Working Capacity Test 130, a step load test on a bicycle ergometer, was
used to evaluate the conditional capacity endurance. The performance param-
eters of the PWC 130 were absolute performance in watts and relative perfor-
mance in watts per kilogram of body weight.

Results

Figure 1: Effect of sportive dance training and fitness training on BDNF
plasma over the course of the 5-year training intervention
The volume of the left amygdala increased significantly over the five-year
training period (F(3,36) = 3.760, p = .019, partial η² = .24). Cohen’s effect size
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