Effects of High-Resistance Elastic Band Training and a Curcumin-Based Formulation on Neuro-Oxidative and Functional...

Background/Objectives: Physical exercise and curcumin supplementation can positively influence parameters related to cognition and neuro-oxidative status. However, research on the combined effects of resistance training with elastic bands and supplementation with a curcumin-based formulation is limited. Moreover, different types of contractions (e.g., concentric and eccentric) may elicit distinct neurophysiological effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two high-resistance training (high-RT) programs using elastic bands in improving neuro-oxidative markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and F2-isoprostanes), cognitive function, physical performance, and quality of life, and examined the additional benefits of curcumin supplementation. Methods: Eighty-one sedentary older adults were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: accentuated eccentric training with either a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Aecc-Cur) or placebo (Aecc-Pla); maximum strength training with either curcumin (Max-Cur) or placebo (Max-Pla); or a control group receiving curcumin (C-Cur) or placebo (C-Pla) without training. The training groups participated in a 16-week full-body high-RT program using elastic bands. Results: BDNF significantly increased in Aecc-Cur and Aecc-Pla (both p ≤ 0.020) but showed no changes after Max-Cur or Max-Pla (both p ≥ 0.256). All other dependent variables improved similarly across training groups (all p ≤ 0.50). Curcumin supplementation combined with exercise significantly reduced F2-isoprostanes in the Max-Cur group compared to Aecc-Pla, and enhanced 6-Minute Walk Test performance in Aecc-Cur and Max-Cur compared to their placebo counterparts. C-Cur showed nonsignificant changes in BDNF, F2-isoprostanes, social functioning, and vitality, while C-Pla worsened these parameters. Notably, at least half of the participants in the experimental groups exhibited clinically significant improvements in 11 of 14 dependent variables. Conclusions: Both high-RT protocols led to improvements in almost all dependent variables, with the Aecc program demonstrating greater effectiveness in boosting BDNF, a key neuroprotection marker. Curcumin supplementation alone and with exercise positively influenced neuro-oxidative markers and quality of life.