Abstract
Different types of exercise training have the potential to induce structural and functional brain plasticity in the elderly. Thereby, functional brain adaptations were observed during cognitive tasks in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that correlated with improved cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate if exercise training induces functional brain plasticity during challenging treadmill walking and elicits associated changes in cognitive executive functions. Forty-two elderly participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either interactive cognitive-motor video game dancing (DANCE) or balance and stretching training (BALANCE). The 8-week intervention included three sessions of 30 min per week and was completed by 33 participants (mean age 74.9 ± 6.9 years). Prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during preferred and fast walking speed on a treadmill was assessed applying functional near infrared spectroscopy pre- and post-intervention. Additionally, executive functions comprising shifting, inhibition, and working memory were assessed. The results showed that both interventions significantly reduced left and right hemispheric PFC oxygenation during the acceleration of walking (p < 0.05 or trend, r = 0.25–0.36), while DANCE showed a larger reduction at the end of the 30-s walking task compared to BALANCE in the left PFC [F(1, 31) = 3.54, p = 0.035, r = 0.32]. These exercise training induced modulations in PFC oxygenation correlated with improved executive functions (p < 0.05 or trend, r = 0.31–0.50). The observed reductions in PFC activity may release cognitive resources to focus attention on other processes while walking, which could be relevant to improve mobility and falls prevention in the elderly. This study provides a deeper understanding of the associations between exercise training, brain function during walking, and cognition in older adults.
Highlights
The human brain experiences a variety of prominent structural changes during the course of aging
We investigated the impact of two different exercise training interventions on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain activity during walking and on executive functions in older adults
Our results demonstrated (1) that both interventions reduced left and right hemispheric prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation during the acceleration of walking, while DANCE showed a larger reduction at the end of the walking compared to balance and stretching training (BALANCE) in the left PFC, and (2) that the exercise training induced modulations in PFC oxygenation were associated with improved executive functions
Summary
The human brain experiences a variety of prominent structural changes during the course of aging. An important reason for this seemingly discrepancy is that the aging brain is able to counterbalance structural attenuations by altering the functional recruiting patterns and, thereby, maintaining cognitive functions (Deary et al, 2009; Grady, 2012). Such processes reflect functional brain and cognitive plasticity in the aging human brain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
