Qigong Training Effects on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cognitive Functions in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Elderly Females With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) heightens dementia and cognitive decline risk, notably impacting working memory and executive functions. This study investigates the impact of 8 weeks of qigong training on cognitive functions, blood pressure, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pBDNF), antioxidant, and biochemical outcomes in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Thirty-five sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM were assigned to qigong exercise (QG = 19) or control (CG = 16) groups. Qigong exercise group performed the qigong exercise three times per week, for 8 weeks. The cognitive functions and pBDNF as primary and secondary outcomes (blood pressure parameters, antioxidant, and blood cell indices) were measured at baseline and postexercise training. While cognitive performance did not change, there was a significant interaction (Group x Time), indicating reduced pBDNF levels postintervention in the qigong exercise group (p <.05). Bothmean arterial blood and pulse pressure values decreased after qigong training (p <.05), but no significant interaction effects (Time x Group) were seen. There was a pulse pressure reduction after qigong training (p <.05), which was significantly correlated with the increase in longest digit span forward (r = -.34, p <.05). Antioxidant levels decreased from PRE to POST within both groups. This study demonstrated that 8 weeks of qigong training reduced pBDNF levels in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, which is unrelated to cognitive function improvements but possibly indicating a favorable response to exercise. Additionally, reduced blood and pulse pressure, potentially enhancing cognitive function by favorably impacting the autonomic nervous system by qigong training.