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PubMed · 42533557

Effects of Exergame Balance Training with Variable Cognitive Motor Challenges on Serum BDNF, p-tau181, and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial.

Aruba Saeed·Imran Amjad·Abdullah Alzahrani·Muhammad Shafique·Heidi Haavik·Imran Khan Niazi
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive-motor exergame balance training may increase attentional demands and neuronal processing, potentially affecting serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), A&#x3b2;1-42, and p-tau181, as well as train cognitive abilities in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to compare the effects of exergame balance training of mild, moderate, high-difficulty, and Wii Fit&#x2122; groups on blood serum levels of BDNF, A&#x3b2;1-42, p-tau181, and cognition function in adults with MCI. METHODS: In this four-arm, parallel group randomized clinical trial, 97 adults with MCI were randomly assigned to exergame balance training groups of mild, moderate, high-difficulty, and Wii Fit exergame as a control group. All participants received 40 min/session, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Assessment of serum levels of p-tau181, A&#x3b2;1-42, BDNF, and cognitive functions was conducted at baseline, after weeks 4 and 8. A mixed-model analysis of covariance was used, with post-baseline measurements (weeks 4 and 8) specified as the within-subject factor and the corresponding baseline value entered as a covariate to adjust for initial between-group variability. RESULTS: A significant group &#xd7; time interaction was found for BDNF, F(3,92) = 6.413, P = 0.017, &#x3b7;p2 = 0.181; p-tau181, F(3,92) = 4.640, P = 0.040, &#x3b7;p2 = 0.138; attention, F(3,92) = 4.171, P = 0.045, &#x3b7;p2 = 0.057; abstraction, F(3,92) = 4.263, P = 0.043, &#x3b7;p2 = 0.058; and visuospatial skills, F(3,92) = 6.931, P < 0.001, &#x3b7;p2 = 0.234. CONCLUSION: Cognitive-motor challenge-based exergame balance training was associated with an increase in serum BDNF, a reduction in p-tau181. In contrast, the A&#x3b2;1-42 levels remained stable. These changes were accompanied by improvement in selective cognitive functions (attention, abstraction, and visuospatial skills) in individuals with MCI. Greater effects were observed in moderate and high-difficulty groups, suggesting the importance of intervention intensity in promoting cognitive and neurobiological outcomes in MCI.

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HumansBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorFemaleAgedCognitive DysfunctionMalePostural BalanceCognitiontau ProteinsAmyloid beta-PeptidesExercise TherapyVideo GamesMiddle AgedCognitive EnhancementPeptide Fragmentsbiomarkerscognitive trainingcognitive-motorexecutive functionexergamingneuroplasticityphosphorylated tau proteinsJournal ArticleRandomized Controlled Trial

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Aruba Saeed, Imran Amjad, Abdullah Alzahrani, Muhammad Shafique, Heidi Haavik, Imran Khan Niazi. 2026-07-30. Effects of Exergame Balance Training with Variable Cognitive Motor Challenges on Serum BDNF, p-tau181, and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Trial.. https://doi.org/10.1177/2161783x261461636

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial resourceAged subjectBiomarkers subjectCognition subjectCognitive Dysfunction subjectCognitive Enhancement subjectCognitive Training subjectExecutive Function subjectExercise Therapy subjectFemale subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectMale subjectMiddle Aged subjectPeptide Fragments subjectPostural Balance subject

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