Abstract
We assessed whether objectively measured low- and high-intensity physical activity (LPA and HPA) and sedentary time (ST) were associated with white matter connectivity, both throughout the whole brain and in brain regions involved in motor function. In the large population-based Maastricht Study (n = 1715, age 59.6 ± 8.1 (mean ± standard deviation) years, and 48% women), the amounts of LPA, HPA, and ST were objectively measured during 7 days by an activPAL accelerometer. In addition, using 3T structural and diffusion MRI, we calculated whole brain node degree and node degree of the basal ganglia and primary motor cortex. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed, and we report standardized regression coefficients (stβ) adjusted for age, sex, education level, wake time, diabetes status, BMI, office systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, total-cholesterol-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio, lipid-modifying medication, alcohol use, smoking status, and history of cardiovascular disease. Lower HPA was associated with lower whole brain node degree after full adjustment (stβ [95%CI] = − 0.062 [− 0.101, − 0.013]; p = 0.014), whereas lower LPA (stβ [95%CI] = − 0.013 [− 0.061, 0.034]; p = 0.580) and higher ST (stβ [95%CI] = − 0.030 [− 0.081, 0.021]; p = 0.250) was not. In addition, lower HPA was associated with lower node degree of the basal ganglia after full adjustment (stβ [95%CI] = − 0.070 [− 0.121, − 0.018]; p = 0.009). Objectively measured lower HPA, but not lower LPA and higher ST, was associated with lower whole brain node degree and node degree in specific brain regions highly specialized in motor function. Further research is needed to establish whether more HPA may preserve structural brain connectivity.
Highlights
It is increasingly acknowledged that low physical activity is harmful for general health [19] and for the brain [9, 13, 16]
We found an association of lower HPA with lower whole brain node degree, independent of major demographic, cardiovascular, and lifestyle risk factors
In analyses on regional node degree, we found that lower HPA was associated with low node degree of the basal ganglia, but not of the primary motor cortex, independent of major demographic, cardiovascular, and lifestyle risk factors
Summary
It is increasingly acknowledged that low physical activity is harmful for general health [19] and for the brain [9, 13, 16]. A growing body of evidence shows a clear association between low physical activity and sedentary behavior and structural brain changes, such as brain atrophy [1, 5, 11, 22] and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) [38] at the population level. Both atrophy and cSVD are likely to represent irreversible damage, while novel markers of early reversible brain changes may be available. Data on the association between physical activity and structural brain networks are scarce [14], while the association of sedentary behavior and structural brain networks have not been reported yet
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
