Author(s): AKAZAWA, N., KOSE, Y., UCHIDA, R., NAKAGAICHI, M., Institution: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FITNESS AND SPORTS IN KANOYA, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1203

INTRODUCTION:
Gut intestinal condition such as bowel movement frequency and defecation pattern is associated with cognitive function and risk of dementia. However, little is known regarding the relationship between exercise habits, gut condition, and cognitive function. We aimed to investigate the effects of daily step counts on the defecation pattern, gut microbiome, and cognitive function in elderly women.
METHODS:
The cross-sectional design study recruited a total of 33 healthy elderly women. We measured daily step counts, defecation pattern (normal, constipation tendency, or diarrhea tendency) by questionnaire, abundances of gut microbiome in genus level, and number of correct answers of Stroop natural and incongruent task. The participants were divided into the low step group and high step group by median value of the daily step coun
RESULTS:
The distribution of constipation and diarrhea pattern in the high step group was significantly lower than that of the low step group (6 % vs. 36 % and 0 % and 12 %, respectively, both P < 0.05). The abundance of Faecalubacterium genus was significantly higher in the high step group compared to low step group (6.7 % vs. 4.7 %, P < 0.05). The high step group exhibited significantly higher number of correct answer neutral and incongruent Stroop task than the low step group (34 points vs. 28 points, 27 points vs. 21points, respectively, both P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
The present study demonstrated that higher habitual step counts ameliorate gut complaints, gut microbiome composition, and cognitive function. Faecalibacterium genus is one of producer of short chain fatty acid and plays a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis including gut barrier integrity. In addition, short chain fatty acid synthesis serotonin and affects cardiovascular function, mood disturbance, and central higher-order behavior. Therefore, the present study suggested that habitual exercise would have preferable effect on gut-brain axis and then lead to preventing cognitive impairment with aging through the gut condition.