Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Schättin, Alexandra; Baier, Corinne; Mai, Domenique; Klamroth-Marganska, Verena; Herter-Aeberli, Isabelle; de Bruin, Eling D.

doi:10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26415

Publication type:	Article in scientific journal
Type of review:	Peer review (publication)
Title:	Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors:	Schättin, Alexandra Baier, Corinne Mai, Domenique Klamroth-Marganska, Verena Herter-Aeberli, Isabelle de Bruin, Eling D.
et. al:	No
DOI:	10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4 10.21256/zhaw-26415
Published in:	BMC Geriatrics
Volume(Issue):	19
Issue:	1
Page(s):	81
Issue Date:	2019
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	BioMed Central
ISSN:	1471-2318
Language:	English
Subjects:	Nutritional supplementation; Omega-3 fatty acid; Physical exercise; Exergame; Brain function; Brain structure; Older adult; Aging
Subject (DDC):	615: Pharmacology and therapeutics 618.97: Geriatrics
Abstract:	Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: Forty-three individuals (mean age 69.4 ± 4.6 years) completed the study (Nexperimental = 22, Ncontrol = 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. Conclusion: 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. Trial registration: Swiss National Clinical Trials SNCTP000001623 and ISRCTN12084831 registered 30 November 2015.
URI:	https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/26415
Fulltext version:	Published version
License (according to publishing contract):	CC BY 4.0: Attribution 4.0 International
Departement:	School of Health Sciences
Organisational Unit:	Institute of Occupational Therapy (IER)
Appears in collections:	Publikationen Gesundheit

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Schättin, A., Baier, C., Mai, D., Klamroth-Marganska, V., Herter-Aeberli, I., & de Bruin, E. D. (2019). Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4

Schättin, A. et al. (2019) ‘Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial’, BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), p. 81. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4.

A. Schättin, C. Baier, D. Mai, V. Klamroth-Marganska, I. Herter-Aeberli, and E. D. de Bruin, “Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial,” BMC Geriatrics, vol. 19, no. 1, p. 81, 2019, doi: 10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4.

SCHÄTTIN, Alexandra, Corinne BAIER, Domenique MAI, Verena KLAMROTH-MARGANSKA, Isabelle HERTER-AEBERLI und Eling D. DE BRUIN, 2019. Effects of exergame training combined with omega-3 fatty acids on the elderly brain : a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics. 2019. Bd. 19, Nr. 1, S. 81. DOI 10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4

Schättin, Alexandra, Corinne Baier, Domenique Mai, Verena Klamroth-Marganska, Isabelle Herter-Aeberli, and Eling D. de Bruin. 2019. “Effects of Exergame Training Combined with Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Elderly Brain : A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.” BMC Geriatrics 19 (1): 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4.

Schättin, Alexandra, et al. “Effects of Exergame Training Combined with Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Elderly Brain : A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.” BMC Geriatrics, vol. 19, no. 1, 2019, p. 81, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1084-4.