Memory Reactivation and Its Effect on Exercise Performance and Heart Rate.

Abhishek G Dhawan

doi:10.3389/fspor.2020.00020

Abstract

Neuronal ensemble and brain plasticity both play an important role in memory consolidation and subsequently memory reactivation. To date, many studies have been designed to study the effect of exercise, heart-rate variability, and other factors on brain plasticity and memory. Here, we present a case study in which we have demonstrated the effect of neuronal ensemble and memory formed during High-intensity aerobic training (VO2 max) and Target Heart-Rate (THR) training and the effect of reactivation of same memory on THR and performance. Of note is the fact that the reactivation and recreation of memory stimulus learned and formed during High-intensity training, such as place, time, odor, and other conditions, can elevate the THR to the same previous peak zone even at low intensity. This demonstrates that reactivation of previously acquired memory or using the stimulation from the neuronal ensemble of consolidated memory during the specific event of training may exert similar physiological effects on exercise or the body to those that are learned during the memory acquisition phase. Hence, as exercise has an effect on memory, the memories may have an effect on exercise performances.

Highlights

Memories play an important role in cognitive as well as functional behavior
After 3 months of treadmill activity of regular steady sate jogging/walking was added at a speed of 6 km/Hr for just 10 min (±3) at the end of weight training without any High-Intensity Interval training (HIIT) or high intensity burst, the heart rate suddenly peaked to the peak HR zone
It is of note that whenever the subject was in an environment (Rasch and Born, 2007; Wimmer and Büchel, 2015; Yanagisawa et al, 2016) that was similar to during training, the physiological response—in this case, the peak heart rate—was elevated to the same intensity zone, i.e., peak HR even with less or minimal physical effort, which was quite unexpected

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Memories play an important role in cognitive as well as functional behavior. Exercise and memories have been an important part of studies in recent years. As motor and sensory inputs play an important role in memory formation, the studies on memory reactivation and its physiological effects on biological systems need to be understood as part of learning during memory encoding. The reactivation of memory triggers the whole path of an ensemble: neurons that wire together fire together The retrieving of these memories involve the reactivation of neural ensembles that were established during learning (Kolb and Whishaw, 1998; Lane et al, 2009; Flor et al, 2013). Any trigger to the partial sensory group may trigger the whole set of the ensemble, resulting in the complete retrieval of state or emotion When it comes to exercise, in this context, we have looked at aerobic exercise. Peak Heart rate involves reaching above 85% of one’s cardio capacity depending on age (Stiedl et al, 2004; Mahncke et al, 2006)

Training Methods and Settings

DISCUSSION

Findings

ETHICS STATEMENT