scholarly journals Intensity dependent effect of cognitive training on motor cortical plasticity and cognitive performance in humans

2020 ◽  
Vol 238 (12) ◽  
pp. 2805-2818
Author(s):  
Christina Berns ◽  
Wanja Brüchle ◽  
Sebastian Scho ◽  
Jessica Schneefeld ◽  
Udo Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Cortical Plasticity ◽  
Cognitive System ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Motor Excitability ◽  
Motor Cortical

Abstract Intervention-induced neuroplastic changes within the motor or cognitive system have been shown in the human brain. While cognitive and motor brain areas are densely interconnected, it is unclear whether this interconnectivity allows for a shared susceptibility to neuroplastic changes. Using the preparation for a theoretical exam as training intervention that primarily engages the cognitive system, we tested the hypothesis whether neuroplasticity acts across interconnected brain areas by investigating the effect on excitability and synaptic plasticity in the motor cortex. 39 healthy students (23 female) underwent 4 weeks of cognitive training while revision time, physical activity, concentration, fatigue, sleep quality and stress were monitored. Before and after cognitive training, cognitive performance was evaluated, as well as motor excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation and long-term-potentiation-like (LTP-like) plasticity using paired-associative-stimulation (PAS). Cognitive training ranged individually from 1 to 7 h/day and enhanced attention and verbal working memory. While motor excitability did not change, LTP-like plasticity increased in an intensity-depending manner: the longer the daily revision time, the smaller the increase of neuroplasticity, and vice versa. This effect was not influenced by physical activity, concentration, fatigue, sleep quality or stress. Motor cortical plasticity is strengthened by a behavioural intervention that primarily engages cognitive brain areas. We suggest that this effect is due to an enhanced susceptibility to LTP-like plasticity, probably induced by heterosynaptic activity that modulates postsynaptic excitability in motorcortical neurones. The smaller increase of PAS efficiency with higher cognitive training intensity suggests a mechanism that balances and stabilises the susceptibility for synaptic potentiation.

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Cognition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

There is substantial interest in identifying the behavioral means by which to improve cognitive performance. Recent research and commercial ventures have focused on cognitive training interventions, but evidence suggests that the effects of these programs are small and task-specific. Researchers have also shown interest in exploring the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Because the effects of physical activity have been found to be small to moderate and to be more global in nature, interest in physical activity has been growing over the past several decades. Evidence regarding the efficacy of physical activity is provided through cross-sectional studies, longitudinal prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. When reviewed meta-analytically, small-to-moderate beneficial effects are reported for children, adults, older adults, and cognitively impaired older adults, and these effects are evident for a wide range of cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, and information processing. Researchers are currently focused on identifying the mechanisms of these effects. Most of this research has been conducted using animal models, but there is a growing body of literature with humans. From this evidence, there is support for the role of changes in cerebral structure, hippocampal perfusion, and growth factors in explaining the observed benefits. Thus far, however, the literature is quite sparse, and future research is needed to clarify our understanding of the mechanisms that provide the causal link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Research is also focused on understanding how to increase the benefits by potentially combining cognitive training with physical activity and by identifying the genetic moderators of the effects. These lines of work are designed to elucidate ways of increasing the magnitude of the benefits that can be obtained. At this point in time, the evidence with respect to the potential of physical activity for benefiting cognitive performance is quite promising, but it is critical that funding agencies commit their support to the continued exploration necessary to allow us to ultimately be able to prescribe physical activity to specific individuals with the express purpose of improving cognition.

scholarly journals Associations Between Actigraphy-Assessed Health Behaviors and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 41-41
Author(s):  
Alex Laffer ◽  
Hilary Hicks ◽  
Genna Losinski ◽  
Amber Watts
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Living Environment

Abstract Lifestyle behaviors are important determinants of healthy brain aging. Research has not fully explored how sleep quality and physical activity may differentially influence specific domains of cognitive function. The present study aimed to estimate the relative influence of sleep quality and physical activity on cognitive performance in three domains in a sample of older adults. Older adults (ages 60-89, M = 74.74) without cognitive impairment (N= 160) wore an accelerometer for 7 days in a free-living environment. We used average vector magnitude counts per minute to measure total physical activity (TPA), and average wake after sleep onset (WASO) to measure sleep quality. We created cognitive composite scores (executive function, attention, and verbal memory) from neuropsychological data using confirmatory factor analysis. We regressed cognitive scores onto TPA and WASO with age and education entered as covariates. Higher amounts of physical activity and better sleep quality were associated with better executive function (R2 = 20.3%, F (4, 155) = 11.12, p < .001). Neither physical activity nor sleep quality was associated with verbal memory or attention. Results suggest that more physical activity and improved ability to stay asleep may benefit executive function, but not other cognitive domains. Future studies should clarify the interaction and mechanisms of action between health behaviors and cognitive performance in older adults.

Comparisons of physical activity and sedentary behavior between owners and non-owners of commercial wearable devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Hsin-Yen Yen ◽  
Hao-Yun Huang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Aims: Wearable devices are a new strategy for promoting physical activity in a free-living condition that utilizes self-monitoring, self-awareness, and self-determination. The main purpose of this study was to explore health benefits of commercial wearable devices by comparing physical activity, sedentary time, sleep quality, and other health outcomes between individuals who used and those that did not use commercial wearable devices. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study using an Internet survey in Taiwan. Self-administered questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale. Results: In total, 781 participants were recruited, including 50% who were users of wearable devices and 50% non-users in the most recent 3 months. Primary outcomes revealed that wearable device users had significantly higher self-reported walking, moderate physical activity, and total physical activity, and significantly lower sedentary time than non-users. Wearable device users had significantly better sleep quality than non-users. Conclusion: Wearable devices inspire users’ motivation, engagement, and interest in physical activity through habit formation. Wearable devices are recommended to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behavior for promoting good health.

scholarly journals POS0733 REAL-LIFE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SLE PATIENTS: ASSOCIATIONS WITH FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF SLEEP

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 617.1-617
Author(s):  
H. Wohland ◽  
N. Leuchten ◽  
M. Aringer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fatigue Score ◽  
The Mean

Background:Fatigue is among the top complaints of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but only in part associated with SLE disease activity. Physical activity can help to reduce fatigue and should therefore be recommended to SLE patients. Vice versa, fatigue may arguably lead to reduced physical activity.Objectives:To investigate the extent of physical activity and the perception of fatigue and sleep quality in patients with SLE.Methods:Starting in February 2019, SLE patients were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study of fatigue and physical exercise during their routine outpatient clinic visits. Participants filled out a ten-page paper questionnaire focused on physical activity. To evaluate fatigue, we primarily used a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, with 100 meaning most fatigued), but also the FACIT fatigue score (range 0-52). Sleep quality was estimated using grades from 1 (excellent) to 6 (extremely poor).Results:93 SLE patients took part in the study. All patients fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019 classification criteria for SLE. 91% of the patients were female. Their mean (SD) age was 45.5 (14.3) years and their mean disease duration 12.1 (9.4) years. The mean BMI was 25.2 (5.6). Of all patients, 7.5% had a diagnosis of (secondary) fibromyalgia. The mean fatigue VAS was 32 (27) mm and the mean FACIT fatigue score 35.7 (10.3). As expected, fatigue by VAS and FACIT was correlated (Spearman r=-0.61, p<0.0001). The mean SLEDAI was 1 (1) with a range of 0 to 6. Median glucocorticoid doses were 2 mg prednisolone equivalent, with a range from 0 to 10 mg.Out of 66 patients in payed jobs, 64 (97%) reported details on their working space. One person (2%) worked in a predominanty standing position, 37 (58%) worked in essentially sedentary jobs and 26 (40%) were in positions where they were mildly physically active in part. The mean fatigue VAS was 31 (24) mm for patients with partly active jobs and 27 (30) mm for those in sedentary jobs. Sleep was graded 2.9 (0.9) by those with active and 3.1 (1.3) by those with sedentary jobs.Half of the patients (51%) reported more than one physical recreational activity. 44 (47%) were walking and for five persons (5%) this was the only form of activity. Cycling was reported by 19 patients (20%), 18 of whom also practiced other activities. For transport, 52 (56%) in part chose active modes, such as walking and cycling. Patients who reported any of the above activities showed a mean fatigue VAS of 28 (25) mm, compared to 36 (28) mm in the patient group without a reported activity. Sleep quality was very similar: 3.1 (1.2) and 3.2 (1.1) for more active and more passive patients, respectively.65 (70%) patients regularly practiced sports. Of these, 39 (60%) practiced one kind of sport, 15 (23%) two, 7 (11%) three, and 2 (3%) each four and five kinds of sports. Fatigue VAS of patients practicing sports was 27 (25) mm versus 43 (28) in those who did not (p=0.0075). Sleep quality was 2.9 (1.1) in the sports cohort and 3.5 (1.1) in the no-sports cohort (p=0.0244).Conclusion:A majority of SLE patients in remission or low to moderate disease activity regularly practiced sports, and those doing so reported lesser fatigue and better sleep quality. The absolute values on the fatigue VAS were in a moderate range that made fatigue as the main cause of not performing sports rather unlikely for most patients.Disclosure of Interests:Helena Wohland: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Gilead, GSK, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB

scholarly journals Sleep quality in the chronic stage of concussion is associated with poorer recovery: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205970022110208
Author(s):  
Rebecca Ludwig ◽  
Eryen Nelson ◽  
Prasanna Vaduvathiriyan ◽  
Michael A Rippee ◽  
Catherine Siengsukon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Prior Review

Background Recovery from a concussion varies based on a multitude of factors. One such factor is sleep disturbances. In our prior review, it was observed that in the acute phase, sleep disturbances are predictive of poor outcomes following a concussion. The literature gap remains on how sleep in the chronic phase of recovery affects outcomes. Objective To examine the association between sleep quality during the chronic stage of concussion and post-concussion outcomes. Literature Survey: Literature searches were performed during 1 July to 1 August 2019 in selected databases along with searching grey literature. Out of the 733 results, 702 references were reviewed after duplicate removal. Methods Three reviewers independently reviewed and consented on abstracts meeting eligibility criteria ( n = 35). The full-text articles were assessed independently by two reviewers. Consensus was achieved, leaving four articles. Relevant data from each study was extracted using a standard data-extraction table. Quality appraisal was conducted to assess potential bias and the quality of articles. Results One study included children (18–60 months) and three studies included adolescents and/or adults (ranging 12–35 years). The association between sleep and cognition (two studies), physical activity (one study), and emotion symptoms (one study) was examined. Sleep quality was associated with decreased cognition and emotional symptoms, but not with meeting physical activity guidelines six months post-concussion injury. Conclusions The heterogeneity in age of participants and outcomes across studies and limited number of included studies made interpretations difficult. Future studies may consider if addressing sleep quality following concussion will improve outcomes.

scholarly journals The Benefits of Physical Activity in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Longitudinal Investigation Using fNIRS and Dual-Task Walking

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 579
Author(s):  
Deborah Talamonti ◽  
Thomas Vincent ◽  
Sarah Fraser ◽  
Anil Nigam ◽  
Frédéric Lesage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Cortical Response

Cardiovascular fitness is linked to better executive functions, preserved gait speed, and efficient cortical activity. Older adults with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) typically show poor cognitive performance, low physical fitness, and altered brain functioning compared with healthy individuals. In the current study, the impact of regular physical activity on cognition, locomotion, and brain functions was explored in a cohort of older adults with low or high CVRFs. Cortical activation of the frontal areas was investigated using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months. Evoked cortical response and behavioral performance were assessed using the dual-task walking paradigm, consisting of three conditions: single cognitive task (2-back task), single walking task (walking), and dual-task (2-back whilst walking). Results show greater task-related cortical response at baseline in individuals with high CVRFs compared to those with low CVRFs. Moreover, participants with high CVRFs benefitted the most from participating in regular physical activity, as their cortical response decreased at the 12-month follow-up and became comparable to that of participants with low CVRFs. These changes were observed in conjunction with improved cognitive performance and stable gait speed throughout the 12-month period in both groups. Our findings provide evidence that participation in regular physical activity may be especially beneficial in individuals with CVRFs by promoting brain and cognitive health, thus potentially contributing to prevention of cognitive decline. Future research may explore whether such effects are maintained in the long-term in order to design ad-hoc interventions in this specific population.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Inhibitory Control: The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality and Sleep Efficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 664
Author(s):  
Lin Li ◽  
Qian Yu ◽  
Wenrui Zhao ◽  
Fabian Herold ◽  
Boris Cheval ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Control Performance ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Subjective Sleep ◽  
Sleep Parameters ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives: the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) level and inhibitory control performance and then to determine whether this association was mediated by multiple sleep parameters (i.e., subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbance). Methods: 180 healthy university students (age: 20.15 ± 1.92 years) from the East China Normal University were recruited for the present study. PA level, sleep parameters, and inhibitory control performance were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI), and a Stroop test, respectively. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: A higher level of PA was linked to better cognitive performance. Furthermore, higher subjective sleep quality and sleep efficiency were associated with better inhibitory control performance. The mediation analysis revealed that subjective sleep quality and sleep efficiency mediated the relationship between PA level and inhibitory control performance. Conclusion: our results are in accordance with the literature and buttress the idea that a healthy lifestyle that involves a relatively high level of regular PA and adequate sleep patterns is beneficial for cognition (e.g., inhibitory control performance). Furthermore, our study adds to the literature that sleep quality and sleep efficiency mediates the relationship between PA and inhibitory control performance, expanding our knowledge in the field of exercise cognition.

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