Judo based-exercise improves brain and muscle function modulating neuroprotective and inflammatory factors: Judo, a gentle way to a sharper brain

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of a 12-week judo-based exercise training programme (JEX) on cognitive processing and muscle function among the elderly. Forty participants were divided into two groups: the JEX group and the control group (CTL). Before and after 12-week of JEX, participants performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. The peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP27) and a pro-inflammatory chemokine (CCL2) were analysed.