The Effect of Combined Aerobic Exercise and Calorie Restriction on Mood, Cognition, and Motor Behavior in Overweight and Obese Women
The Effect of Combined Aerobic Exercise and Calorie Restriction on Mood, Cognition, and Motor Behavior in Overweight and Obese Women
The benefits of weight-loss programs on mood state and cognitive and motor behavior remain unclear and are largely limited to those of calorie restriction (CR) or physical exercise alone. Our aim was to investigate the effect of a combined CR and aerobic exercise program on mood state, cognition-related brain activity, and cognitive and motor behavior in overweight and obese women. Twenty-six overweight or obese women were randomized to either a control group (no intervention) or an experimental group (aerobic exercise + 12.5% energy-intake reduction). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, mood, prefrontal cortex activity, cognitive performance, and learning of a speed-accuracy task were evaluated before and 6 months after the beginning of the program. Confusion and depression increased in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas tension decreased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). BDNF level and learning of a speed-accuracy task remained unchanged. Although PFC activity and executive functions were not affected, the reaction time of visual scanning and associative learning were improved in the experimental group (P < 0.05). An improvement in reaction time during the speed-accuracy task was observed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a 6-month combined CR and aerobic exercise intervention improved the psychosocial mental state of overweight and obese women. Although it improved motor planning during the speed-accuracy task, it had little impact on cognition and no effect on brain activity and learning of the speed-accuracy task.
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