Indoor aerobic exercise reduces exposure to pollution, improves cognitive function, and enhances BDNF levels in the elderly

The present study aimed to compare the effects of indoor versus outdoor aerobic exercise through the evaluation of pollution exposure, changes in cognitive function, and biochemical variables in elderly individuals. Forty-eight volunteers, aged 60 years or older, were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control indoor, control outdoor, indoor exercise, and outdoor exercise (n = 12/group). Atmospheric concentration of 5 pollutants was monitored. Cognitive function and biochemical analysis were done after 12 weeks. All pollutants measured were significantly higher outdoor (p   0.05). Indoor aerobic exercise presented lower concentration of pollutants, improved cognitive function, and enhanced brain-derived neuro factor (BDNF) levels when compared to outdoor (p < 0.05). Indoor aerobic exercise showed significant glycemic reduction compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Indoor aerobic exercise presents lower concentration of pollutants than outdoor and provides better benefits to the management of glycemia, improves cognition, and enhances BDNF levels.