Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42168724 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-026-02324-6
Impact of an online-guided physical activity intervention on cognition, resting-state brain connectivity, and the gut microbiome in healthy older adults-a randomized controlled trial.
Geroscience
Authors: Simon J Schrenk, Corinna Bang, Lena Best, Thomas Dost, Stefano Flor, Christiane Frahm, Christian Gaser, Rami Abou Hamdan, Marco Herbsleb, Christoph Kaleta, Fabian Kattlun, Hans-Josef Müller, Christian Puta, Monique Radscheidt, Adriana L Ruiz-Rizzo, André Scherag, Thomas Steidten, Otto W Witte, Stefan Brodoehl, Kathrin Finke
Affiliations
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Am Klinikum 1, Jena, 07747, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, Kiel, 24105, Germany.
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, Kiel, 24105, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Am Klinikum 1, Jena, 07747, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Philosophenweg 3, Jena, 07747, Germany.
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Wöllnitzer Straße 42, Jena, 07749, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Philosophenweg 3, Jena, 07743, Germany.
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Am Klinikum 1, Jena, 07747, Germany.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases Related to Professional Activities, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Wöllnitzer Straße 42, Jena, 07749, Germany.
- Center for Clinical Studies, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Salvador-Allende-Platz 27, Jena, 07747, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer and Data Sciences, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Bachstraße 18, Jena, 07743, Germany.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Physical activity may enhance cognition in older adults, yet evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on mechanistic pathways remains inconclusive.
METHODS
This single-blinded RCT examined the effects of an 8-week, online-guided, multicomponent physical activity intervention on cognitive function, resting-state functional brain connectivity (rsFC), and the gut microbiome in 92 healthy older adults (M age = 66.35). Participants were randomized to a physical activity group performing moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic, coordination, and balance exercises, or to an active control group engaging in progressive muscle relaxation and listening to aging-related podcasts. The primary outcome was change in visual processing speed (items/s) from pre- to post-assessment. Secondary outcomes included changes in additional cognitive measures, rsFC, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and the gut microbiome.
RESULTS
The primary outcome showed no significant between-group differences. However, exploratory analyses revealed potential improvements in inhibition (η2 = 0.061; p = 0.025) and visual memory (η2 = 0.047; p = 0.040) in the physical activity group. This group also showed a potential increase in rsFC between visual and dorsal attention networks (η2 = 0.101; p = 0.009). Visual memory gains correlated with improvements in rsFC (p = 0.013). No between-group differences were observed in CRF or gut microbiome composition.
DISCUSSION
While the primary outcome (visual processing speed) and predefined mechanistic pathways (e.g., gut microbiome composition) remained unaffected, this may partly reflect the sample's high baseline fitness, which likely limited observable improvements. Exploratory findings suggest potential cognitive and associated rsFC benefits in memory and attention-related networks. The online format enabled a structured, scalable intervention while minimizing potential confounding from social interaction.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00028022 (date of registration: 14.02.2022).
MeSH
Exercise, Aging, Brain, Aged, Visual Perception, Memory, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Cognition