PURPOSE: In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65-80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test "Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení" (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks. RESULTS: Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO2peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49). CONCLUSION: Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

• Keywords
• Nordic walking, aging, circuit training, cognitive function, n-3 PUFA, physical activity,
• MeSH
• Exercise MeSH
• Memory, Short-Term MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor * MeSH
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 * pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Dietary Supplements MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor * MeSH
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 * MeSH

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of exercise training (ET) with omega-3/Calanus oil supplementation on cardiorespiratory and adiposity parameters in elderly women. Fifty-five women (BMI: 19-37 kg/m2, 62-80 years old) were recruited and randomly assigned to the 4 month intervention with ET and omega-3 supplementation (Calanus oil, ET-Calanus) or ET and the placebo (sunflower oil; ET-Placebo). The body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using spiroergometry and PhysioFlow hemodynamic testing. Both interventions resulted in an increased lean mass whereas the fat mass was reduced in the leg and trunk as well as the android and gynoid regions. The content of trunk fat (in percent of the total fat) was lower and the content of the leg fat was higher in the ET-Calanus group compared with the ET-Placebo. Although both interventions resulted in similar improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), it was explained by an increased peripheral oxygen extraction (a-vO2diff) alone in the ET-Placebo group whereas increased values of both a-vO2diff and maximal cardiac output (COmax) were observed in the ET-Calanus group. Changes in COmax were associated with changes in systemic vascular resistance, circulating free fatty acids, and the omega-3 index. In conclusion, Calanus oil supplementation during a 4 month ET intervention in elderly women improved the cardiorespiratory function, which was due to combined central and peripheral cardiodynamic mechanisms.

• Keywords
• aging, body composition, cardiac output, cardiorespiratory fitness, omega-3 fatty acids,
• MeSH
• Vascular Resistance MeSH
• Exercise physiology   MeSH
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness physiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cardiac Output MeSH
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 administration & dosage   MeSH
• Plankton chemistry   MeSH
• Dietary Supplements * MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Body Composition MeSH
• Aging physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 MeSH