Abstract

   This study investigates the effects of a 12-week brisk walking exercise
   regimen on motor function improvements in elderly women. Twenty-six
   elderly women, aged 84.2 ± 3.2 years, participated in a 12-week brisk
   walking exercise program. Fitness assessments and blood biomarker
   analyses (including CHO, HDLC, LDLC, TC) were conducted pre- and
   post-intervention. Additionally, targeted metabolomics was employed to
   measure short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin metabolites.
   The intervention led to significant enhancements in participants'
   flexibility (p < 0.05), lower limb muscle strength (p < 0.01), and
   cardiorespiratory endurance (p < 0.01), while muscle mass showed no
   significant changes. Fifteen significant differential metabolites were
   identified (VIP > 1.0, FC > 1.2 or < 0.8, and p < 0.05), with arginine,
   ornithine, aspartic acid, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and
   pantothenic acid playing key roles across seven metabolic pathways. A
   12-week brisk walking exercise program significantly enhanced
   flexibility, lower limb muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory
   endurance among elderly women. These improvements did not extend to
   muscle mass or upper limb muscle strength. The observed enhancement in
   exercise capacity may be attributed to improved regulation of
   neurotransmitters.

   Keywords: Aging, Metabolomics, Brisk walking, Senior fitness test,
   Elderly women

   Subject terms: Geriatrics, Metabolomics

Introduction

   Age-related decline in physical function represents a significant
   health challenge in the elderly population, leading to a diminished
   capacity for daily living activities and adversely affecting overall
   quality of life^[38]1. Mobility impairments often serve as a precursor
   to functional decline, disability, and frailty, potentially
   necessitating increased demand for caregiving and medical
   services^[39]2,[40]3. Enhancing or preserving physical functionality in
   elderly individuals is vital not only for maintaining their quality of
   life and extending healthy lifespans but also for alleviating the
   strain on healthcare resources. Research has shown that the decline in
   skeletal muscle mass and function is non-linear, with an accelerated
   rate of decline occurring around the ages of 75–80^[41]4. Gender
   differences are evident, with older women more prone to developing
   sarcopenia than men^[42]5. Additionally, older women are at a higher
   risk of falls and fractures compared to men^[43]6. In terms of exercise
   preferences, older adults tend to favor activities that are convenient,