The impact of physical exercise on cognitive and affective functions and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in nursing home residents: A randomized controlled trial

•Exercise can prevent or slow cognitive decline in long-term residents of nursing homes.•Nursing home residents had reduced perceptions of loneliness after our exercise program.•Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor were not significantly changed after applying our exercise program. To determine the effects of a multicomponent physical exercise program on cognitive and affective functioning among nursing home residents and to clarify whether there are any changes in serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among participants. This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial in ten nursing homes in Gipuzkoa, Spain. The study included 112 men and women. Participants in the control group engaged in routine activities while those in the intervention group participated in a six-month individualized, progressive, multicomponent physical exercise program focused on strength, balance, and walking. Cognitive and affective functions were assessed at baseline and at six months. Serum BDNF levels were assessed via ELISA. After six months, a group by time interaction in favor of the intervention group was observed on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), symbol search and De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale (P