Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity may preserve neuronal plasticity, increase synapse formation, and cause the release of hormonal factors that promote neurogenesis and neuronal function. Previous studies have reported enhanced neurocognitive function following exercise training. However, the specific cortical regions activated during exercise training remain largely undefined. In this study, we quantitatively and objectively evaluated the effects of exercise on brain activity during walking in healthy older adults.MethodsA total of 24 elderly women (75–83 years old) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. Those in the intervention group attended 3 months of biweekly 90-min sessions focused on aerobic exercise, strength training, and physical therapy. We monitored changes in regional cerebral glucose metabolism during walking in both groups using positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).ResultsAll subjects completed the 3-month experiment and the adherence to the exercise program was 100%. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a significantly greater step length in the right foot after 3 months of physical activity. The FDG-PET assessment revealed a significant post-intervention increase in regional glucose metabolism in the left posterior entorhinal cortex, left superior temporal gyrus, and right superior temporopolar area in the intervention group. Interestingly, the control group showed a relative increase in regional glucose metabolism in the left premotor and supplemental motor areas, left and right somatosensory association cortex, and right primary visual cortex after the 3-month period. We found no significant differences in FDG uptake between the intervention and control groups before vs. after the intervention.ConclusionExercise training increased activity in specific brain regions, such as the precuneus and entorhinal cortices, which play an important role in episodic and spatial memory. Further investigation is required to confirm whether alterations in glucose metabolism within these regions during walking directly promote physical and cognitive performance.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR (UMIN000021829). Retrospectively registered 10 April 2016.
Highlights
Physical activity may preserve neuronal plasticity, increase synapse formation, and cause the release of hormonal factors that promote neurogenesis and neuronal function
There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups with respect to baseline characteristics and MTA atrophy and WMH, except for height and step length (Table 1)
The intervention group showed a significantly greater step length in the right foot after the program compared with the control group (Fig. 2)
Summary
Physical activity may preserve neuronal plasticity, increase synapse formation, and cause the release of hormonal factors that promote neurogenesis and neuronal function. Aerobic exercise may lead to an increase in brain volume [5, 6] and enhance functional connectivity between parts of the frontal, posterior, and temporal cortices [7] in healthy older adults. In comparison to low-fitness or nonaerobic control participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that fit or aerobically trained older adults have greater functional connectivity between parts of the frontal, posterior, and temporal cortices [7]. This enhanced functional connectivity extends to task-related activities in regions of the prefrontal and parietal cortices involved in spatial selection and inhibitory function [8]. No studies have investigated whether this activation occurs as a result of exercise training
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