A Longitudinal Study of the Individualized Walking Exercise Program on Memory, Subjective Cognitive Complaint, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) among Postmenopausal Hypertensive Women

A longitudinal study of the individualized walking exercise program on memory, subjective cognitive complaint, and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among postmenopausal hypertensive women According to the past one-and half year study, memory was greater and faster decline in hypertensive women from our cross-sectional results and we also tested the feasibility of the home-based walking intervention for the pilot study. Behavior change is a dynamic and complex process. Using a long-tern follow up approach will be able to understand the trajectory of behavior change. The main purpose of this three-year study is to explore an individualized walking program on memory function, subjective cognitive complaints, and BDNF, and cognitive and exercise experiences for postmenopausal hypertensive women using mix methods with longitudinal approach. The first year of this study will include a qualitative study with in depth interview of the subjects who attend the pilot study in our research team. Their experience about cognitive decline and exercise will be explored and be used to modify intervention program. The qualitative results will be analyzed using content analysis. In quantitative study with experimental design, ninety qualified subjects will be randomly assigned to experimental or control group. Experimental subjects will perform six-month walking exercise program and control group receive routine care. The revised walking exercise intervention is based on neuroplasticity theoretical background. The measures include assessment of memory function, serum BDNF, and questionnaires. Data will be collected at baseline, the end of the six-month intervention, and follow up every six months. Data will be analyzed using Generalized Estimation Equation evaluate the effect of the intervention program. The second and third year will continue to use qualitative and quantitative approach to follow up their behavior changes. The qualitative interview will be conducted to subjects in experimental groups from the first year. The interview guideline will be established according to the first and second year’s research findings. The interview will be conducted once for every six months. The results of this qualitative study will explore the cognitive changes after exercise and difficulties and enhanced factors to participate the exercise in order to modify different strategies for promoting their exercise program. The method will strengthen the effectiveness of six-month walking exercise program and may provide comprehensive understanding if the trajectory of behavior changes among postmenopausal women with hypertension.