Influence of acute combined physical and cognitive exercise on cognitive function: an NIRS study

Which cognitive tests are used to examine the acute effect of physical activity on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older? - A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The review aims to create an overview of current evidence on the acute effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition in adults aged 50 and older, focusing on which cognitive (sub)domains, cognitive tests, and outcomes are used, and whether effects were demonstrated.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for articles assessing the acute effect of PA on cognition in healthy adults aged 50 and older.

RESULTS

Forty-two articles were included, using a variety of protocols. Executive functioning was the most frequently assessed cognitive domain. Overall, thirty-five different cognitive tests were administered, among which many variations and modifications were found. Furthermore, the reported outcomes varied greatly, even when using the same test. Across tests, 45.3% of the reported outcomes demonstrated an improvement in cognition shortly after PA. Time-based outcomes demonstrated an improvement more often than accuracy-based outcomes. However, because of the large variety among protocols and often insufficiently nuanced reporting, results should be interpreted carefully.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute effect of PA on executive functioning in older adults has been examined frequently, but research in other cognitive domains is limited. The variety among study protocols and test outcomes highlights the need for more rigorous research and reporting.

Executive control from healthy ageing to cognitive impairment: A systematic review of stroop and simon effects using psychophysiological and imaging techniques

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in the ageing population emphasises the need for strategies to mitigate cognitive decline. While research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has focused on early risk factors, less attention has been paid to protective factors such as cognitive reserve (CR) and cognitive control (CC).

METHODS

This review examines age-related changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in healthy ageing and cognitive impairment. We analysed studies using Stroop and Simon tasks in conjunction with EEG, EEG/ERP, fNIRS and fMRI.

RESULTS

Of the 1411 articles reviewed, 49 studies met our criteria. The results suggest that the Stroop and Simon effects are essential for distinguishing between healthy ageing and cognitive impairment. Increased activity of the PFC supports task performance, especially in cognitive ageing. However, when compensatory mechanisms fail, deficits in Stroop and Simon effects may indicate cognitive impairment and reduced activation of the PFC.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasises the critical role of CR in attenuating age-related cognitive decline and highlights the importance of the PFC in maintaining CC.

Acute aerobic exercise ameliorates craving and attentional function in individuals with methamphetamine use disorders

OBJECTIVE

Chronic methamphetamine use is frequently associated with impairments in the attentional network (alerting, orienting, conflict networks) and related brain regions, which significantly trigger METH-related cravings. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity acute aerobic exercise on cravings and attentional networks in individuals with methamphetamine use disorders (MUD).

METHODS

Using a cross-over design, this study recruited 32 male MUDs to randomly complete a 30min moderate-intensity aerobics exercise condition (65%-75% HRmax) and an assigned material reading control condition, with a 7-day washout interval. All participants completed Visual Analog Scales before, during, and after exercise, until the HR dropped to 110% of the resting heart rate, in preparation for the Attention Network Test (ANT).

RESULTS

The aerobic exercise significantly reduces the participants' cravings. There were no differences observed in the efficiency of alerting and orienting networks between the aerobic exercise and control conditions, however, the efficiency of conflict network was enhanced after exercise. Furthermore, the results showed a significant negative correlation between the enhancements in conflict network efficiency and the reductions in post-exercise craving scores for both conditions.

CONCLUSION

Moderate-intensity acute aerobic exercise significantly improves the attentional network, especially enhancing the conflict network in individuals with MUD. Additionally, the improvement of the conflict network is closely related to the reduction in cravings in individuals with MUD, suggesting that aerobic exercise may reduce cravings through improvements in cognitive function.

The effects of an 8-week Taekwondo exercise intervention on inhibitory control in university students with depressive symptoms demonstrated the following-evidence from behavior and ERPs

BACKGROUND

In university students with depressive symptoms, inhibitory control dysfunctions strongly contribute to functional impairments, yet they are not adequately addressed in current therapies. This study aims to investigate the intervention effect of an 8-week Taekwondo exercise program on inhibitory control in individuals with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 41 university students with depressive symptoms were randomly divided into a Taekwondo group and a control group. The Taekwondo group participated in an 8-week intervention. Behavioral and ERP measures were collected before and after the intervention during a response inhibition task.

RESULTS

1.The 8-week Taekwondo exercise intervention significantly improved depressive symptoms in the exercise group (P < 0.05), while depressive symptoms in the control group worsened, although the difference was not statistically significant;2.The results from the behavioral task showed a statistically significant difference in accuracy between the Taekwondo group and the control group in the Go condition during the post-test stage (P < 0.05). In the Nogo condition, there was also a significant difference in accuracy between the two groups (P < 0.05). Notably, only the Taekwondo group exhibited a significant improvement in Nogo condition accuracy from pre-test to post-test (P < 0.001);3.The event-related potential (ERP) results revealed a significant time × group interaction effect for N2 amplitude, F(1, 39) = 4.821, P = 0.034, ƞp2=0.110. Additionally, there was a significant condition × electrode interaction effect, F(3, 117) = 18.368, P < 0.001, ƞp2= 0.320. For N2 latency, the time × group interaction effect was significant, F(1, 39) = 13.028, P < 0.001, ƞp2=0.250, and a significant time × condition × electrode interaction effect was also observed, F(3, 117) = 3.199, P = 0.026, ƞp2 = 0.076.

CONCLUSION

Regular moderate-intensity Taekwondo exercise can effectively improve response inhibition in university students with depressive symptoms, along with improvements in depressive symptoms. The changes in N2 amplitude and latency at the Fz, Cz, and Pz electrode sites under task conditions may represent the cognitive neural processing mechanism through which Taekwondo enhances response inhibition in students with depressive symptoms.

The Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Core Executive Functions in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review

There is growing interest in examining acute effects of exercise on cognitive functions and neurocognitive outcomes. These behavioral and neurocognitive outcomes have been most frequently investigated in healthy young individuals, but relatively few studies have examined healthy older adults. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MIAE) on core executive functions, including inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, in healthy older adults. A database search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted using a systematic search strategy. Acute MIAE interventions assessing core executive functions using randomized or stratified controlled trials investigating healthy older adults were reviewed. Eleven studies were identified, and the behavioral results from all included studies revealed that acute MIAE can improve core executive functions in healthy adults. However, incompatible results were observed in activated areas of the prefrontal cortex following MIAE in older adults. The limited number of studies investigating the effects of MIAE on core executive functions in older healthy adults with moderate overall quality restricts the conclusions. Therefore, more robust quality studies using neuroimaging techniques to investigate core executive functions, especially working memory and cognitive flexibility, are needed to explain the neural and behavioral mechanisms.

Acute Effects of Cadence-Controlled Walking on Cognition and Vascular Function in Physically Inactive Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

Cadence-controlled walking may be a desirable approach for older adults to self-monitor exercise intensity and achieve physical activity guidelines. We examined the acute effects of cadence-controlled walking on cognition and vascular function in physically inactive older adults.

METHODS

In a randomized crossover design, 26 participants (65% females, 67.8 ± 11.3 years) underwent 30-min acute exercise (walking at 100 steps/min) and control (sitting) conditions. We measured cognition, central blood pressure (BP), and arterial stiffness before, and immediately, after each condition.

RESULTS

We observed significant Time × Condition interactions in the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention (Flanker) test and Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) test scores, and in central systolic BP, central pulse pressure, and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (p < .05). The Flanker and DCCS scores significantly increased after walking (d = 0.4 and 0.5, respectively), but not after sitting. Central systolic BP, central pulse pressure, and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity significantly increased after sitting but remained unchanged after acute walking (d = 0.4-0.2), with p-values < .05. After walking, significant correlations were observed between DCCS and diastolic BP and central pulse pressure change scores and change scores in central pulse wave velocity, Flanker, and DCCS (rs = -0.45 to -0.52).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a single bout of cadence-controlled walking elicited an immediate improvement in cognition and might have mitigated increases in arterial stiffness and central BP observed in the seated control condition. Further research is needed to examine the association between cognition and vascular function following acute exercise compared to control conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings may have practical implications for developing daily physical activity recommendations for improving the cognitive health for successful aging.

Digital motor intervention effects on motor performance of individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Individuals (i.e. children/young adults) with developmental disabilities (DDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) often display a variety of physical and motor impairments. It is well known that participation in motor activities can positively impact the development of children's cognitive and social skills. Recently, virtual and digital technologies (e.g. video conferencing applications, virtual reality and video gaming) have been increasingly used to promote better physical/motor outcomes. The efficacy of digital technologies in improving motor outcomes for those with DD/ID varies depending on the technology and population, and the comparative effects of various technologies are unknown. The aim of our study is to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively examine the quantitative and qualitative results of current studies reporting the efficacy of digitally based motor interventions on motor outcomes in individuals with DD/ID.

METHODS

Literature published from 1900 to 2024 was searched in four health sciences databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL. Articles that examined the effects of gross motor/physical activity training using technologies such as exergaming (i.e. exercise through video gaming such as the Wii and Xbox Kinect), virtual reality or telehealth video conferencing applications (i.e. Zoom, Webex or mobile health apps) on the standardised or game-specific gross motor performance of individuals with DD/ID diagnoses that do not typically experience significant walking challenges using experimental or quasi-experimental study designs were included. Thirty relevant articles were retrieved from a search of the databases PubMed (914), PsycINFO (1201), Scopus (1910) and CINAHL (948).

RESULTS

Our quantitative synthesis of this published literature suggests strong and consistent evidence of small-to-large improvements in motor skill performance following digital movement interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review supports the use of digital motor interventions to support motor skill performance in individuals with DD without ID. Digital technologies can provide a more engaging option for therapists to promote motor skill development in individuals with DD or for caregivers to use as an adjunct to skilled therapy.

Exercise and Language Performance in Healthy Aging, Stroke and Neurodegenerative Conditions: a Scoping Review

Background

While the benefits of exercise on cognitive functions have already been reviewed, little is known about the impact of exercise on language performance. This scoping review was conducted to identify existing evidence on exercise-induced changes in language performance in healthy aging individuals and adults with stroke or neurodegenerative conditions.

Methods & Results

Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, 29 studies were included. Eleven studies in healthy aging indicated enhanced language performance, with 72.72% having significant improvement in semantic/phonological Verbal Fluency (VF) following exercise. Among 18 studies on older adults with stroke or neurodegenerative conditions, 11 reported better language performance, with 44.44% having significant improvement in picture naming/description and semantic/phonological VF by exercise. The seven remaining studies reported no significant change in language performance in persons with stroke or neurodegenerative conditions.

Conclusion

Overall, exercise interventions showed improvement in language performance in healthy aging, while selective enhancement was shown for language performance in persons with either stroke or neurodegenerative conditions.

Short, frequent physical activity breaks improve working memory while preserving cerebral blood flow in adolescents during prolonged sitting - AbbaH teen, a randomized crossover trial

PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) breaks during school lessons have been suggested as a promising strategy to improve working memory performance in children and adolescents. There is a lack of studies investigating the underlying physiological mechanisms of PA on cognition, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of short frequent PA on adolescents' cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and working memory performance compared to prolonged sitting.

METHODS

In this randomized crossover study, adolescents visited the laboratory on three different occasions for 80-minute sessions of prolonged sitting interrupted by four breaks for three minutes of simple resistance training (SRA), step-up at a pre-determined pace (STEP), or remaining seated (SOCIAL). Before and after each session, cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow (oxygenated-hemoglobin, Oxy-Hb) during working memory tasks (1-, 2-, 3-back tests) were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the PFC. Accuracy and reaction time were derived from the working memory tasks. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of 17 students participated (mean age 13.6 years, 11 girls). Significant time x condition interactions were noted for Oxy-Hb in the most demanding working memory task (3-back), with a decrease following prolonged sitting in the SOCIAL condition compared to both the SRA (β 0.18, 95% CI 0.12, 0.24) and the STEP (β 0.11, 95% CI 0.05, 0.17). This was observed in parallel with improvements in reaction time following SRA (β -30.11, 95% CI -59.08, -1.13) and STEP (β -34.29, 95% CI -69.22, 0.63) although this was only significant for the SRA and no improvements in the SOCIAL condition.

CONCLUSION

We found that short frequent PA breaks during prolonged sitting among adolescents can prevent the decrease in cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow that occur following prolonged sitting. This was observed simultaneously with improvements in working memory, indicating that changes in cerebral blood flow could be one factor explaining the effects on working memory. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of implementing these PA breaks in schools.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered on 21/09/2020, ClinicalTrial (NCT04552626).

Acute Effect of Simultaneous Exercise and Cognitive Tasks on Cognitive Functions in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline, alongside the aging global population, underscores the urgent need for innovative and effective preventative strategies. While the advantages of combining physical and cognitive exercises have been recognized as a promising approach to address these socioeconomic challenges, the acute effects of such interventions on cognitive functions remain understudied. This study aimed to investigate whether simultaneous physical and cognitive exercise has a greater beneficial impact on the cognitive functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than physical exercise alone or reading activities. A total of 44 MCI patients (75% females aged between 65 and 75 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: aerobic exercise alone (EG group, n = 15), aerobic combined with cognitive exercises (CEG group, n = 15), or a reading task for controls (CG group, n = 14). Attention, memory, and problem solving were assessed before and after the acute intervention using the Tower of Hanoi, Digit Span, and Stroop tasks, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that both of the experimental interventions appeared to enhance cognitive function scores (p < 0.05), except for the number of moves in the Tower of Hanoi task, where no improvement was noted. In contrast, no significant differences in any cognitive performance measures were observed following the reading session. Notably, the CEG group exhibited a more pronounced positive impact, especially on working memory. This advantage was specifically evident in the digit span tasks, where significantly greater percentage gains were found in the CEG than in the CG (p = 0.02), while no significant difference existed between the EG and CG. Simultaneous combined exercise has proven to be a more effective method than aerobic physical exercise alone for improving cognitive function. The results of this study are recommended for inclusion in clinical practice guidelines to maintain the mental health of older adults, as simultaneous exercise seems to offer a time-efficient strategy to enhance cognitive performance in adults with MCI.

Effects of Cognitive and Physical Load of Acute Exercise on Inhibitory Control and Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics in Children

INTRODUCTION

Evidence suggests that acute exercise benefits inhibitory control, but it remains unclear how physical and cognitive load influence this ability in preadolescent children, when faced with different types of distractors. We examined their moderating effects along with changes in prefrontal cortex hemodynamics.

METHODS

Using a crossover design, 29 participants completed 10 min of exercise (with an interactive training wall) at 1) low physical and low cognitive load, 2) low physical and high cognitive load, 3) high physical and low cognitive load, and 4) high physical and high cognitive load in a randomized order. Before and after each condition, they performed a Standard and Affective Stroop task. During both tasks, the lateral oxygenation difference in the prefrontal cortex was measured by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

RESULTS

For the Standard Stroop task, there was no effect of physical and cognitive load on performance. In contrast, exercise with low compared with high cognitive load was associated with a greater reduction of reaction time and increase in accuracy on the Affective Stroop task. This was accompanied by a decrease in lateral oxygenation difference on trials with low inhibitory control demands.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute exercise with low compared with high cognitive demand benefits the ability to resolve emotional conflict, but the control over inhibition of nonemotional information remains unaffected. This effect of cognitive load is complemented by an increased efficiency of the left prefrontal cortex, when no emotional conflict resolution is required.

Exercise promotes brain health: a systematic review of fNIRS studies

Exercise can induce brain plasticity. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a functional neuroimaging technique that exploits cerebral hemodynamics and has been widely used in the field of sports psychology to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise. However, most existing fNIRS studies are cross-sectional and do not include exercise interventions. In addition, attributed to differences in experimental designs, the causal relationship between exercise and brain functions remains elusive. Hence, this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of exercise interventions on alterations in brain functional activity in healthy individuals using fNIRS and to determine the applicability of fNIRS in the research design of the effects of various exercise interventions on brain function. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu databases were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2021. This study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Two investigators independently selected articles and extracted relevant information. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with another author. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias method. Data were pooled using random-effects models. A total of 29 studies were included in the analysis. Our results indicated that exercise interventions alter oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex and motor cortex, which are associated with improvements in higher cognitive functions (e.g., inhibitory control and working memory). The frontal cortex and motor cortex may be key regions for exercise-induced promotion of brain health. Future research is warranted on fluctuations in cerebral blood flow during exercise to elucidate the neural mechanism underlying the effects of exercise. Moreover, given that fNIRS is insensitive to motion, this technique is ideally suited for research during exercise interventions. Important factors include the study design, fNIRS device parameters, and exercise protocol. The examination of cerebral blood flow during exercise intervention is a future research direction that has the potential to identify cortical hemodynamic changes and elucidate the relationship between exercise and cognition. Future studies can combine multiple study designs to measure blood flow prior to and after exercise and during exercise in a more in-depth and comprehensive manner.

Cortical activity and spatiotemporal parameters during gait termination and walking: A preliminary study

Gait termination requires an interaction between the biomechanical and neuromuscular systems to arrest forward momentum. Currently, the biomechanical characteristics of gait termination have been demonstrated; however, the neural mechanism of gait termination remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate cortical activity during gait termination using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Thirteen healthy younger adults (mean age:24.0 ± 1.7) participated in this study. All participants performed three experimental sessions: planned gait termination (PGT), unplanned gait termination (UGT), and walking. Each experimental session comprised a block paradigm design (three cycles; 20 s resting, 45 s task). Cortical activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and primary motor cortex (M1) and spatiotemporal parameters were measured. We compared the cortical activities and spatiotemporal parameters among PGT, UGT, and walking sessions. In addition, we performed Pearson correlations between hemodynamic responses and spatiotemporal parameters. The PGT was activated in the right DLPFC, whereas the UGT and walking were activated in the left SMA (p < 0.05). Comparing cortical activation between sessions, both the PGT and UGT showed significantly higher activation in the right DLPFC than during walking (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cortical activity between PGT and UGT (p > 0.05). In addition, the gait termination time revealed moderate positive correlation with hemodynamic responses in the right DLPFC (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the right DLPFC is associated with gait termination, regardless of gait termination type. Our findings provide the potential implication that the hemodynamic response in the right DLPFC would be a biomarker to evaluate the ability of gait termination.

A single 1,500 m freestyle at maximal speed decreases cognitive function in athletes

Introduction

Physical exercise can improve cognitive function, and the degree of impact on cognitive function is related to exercise modality, intensity, and duration. However, few studies have been conducted on the effects of competitive sports on cognitive function. The 1,500 m freestyle is the longest pool-based swimming event in the Olympic Games. This study explores the effects of 1,500 m freestyle at maximal speed on athletes' cognitive function and analyzes the potential mechanism of cognitive function reduction in freestyle at maximal speed from the perspective of hemoglobin oxygenation difference (Hbdiff).

Methods

A total of 13 male university swimmers were required to take part in a 1,500 m freestyle competition, swimming at maximal speed. The relevant indicators, including cognitive function and freestyle at maximal speed, before and after the competition were tested and analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Schulte grid test (SGT), the trail-making test (TMT), and the digit span test (DST). The neurobiological characteristics of cognitive function, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), response time (RT), and accuracy rate (ACC), were tested using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Results

A significant decrease in scores for SGT, TMT, and digit span test-backward (DST-B) (p < 0.01). Oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentrations in the right frontopolar area (R-FPA) of brain channels 8 (p < 0.01) and 9 (CH8, 9) (p < 0.05), the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-DLPFC) CH10 (p < 0.05), and the middle dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (M-DLPFC) CH18 (p < 0.01) were significantly altered, and the right area of the brain was activated. The total Oxy-Hb concentrations in the regions of interest (ROIs) of R-FPA, R-DLFPC, and M-DLFPC were changed significantly (p < 0.01).

Discussion

The exhaustive performance of a 1,500 m freestyle event resulted in both physical fatigue and a decline in cognitive function. This decline may be attributed to the activation of specific regions of interest, namely the FPA, DLPFC, and M-DLPFC, within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as alterations in functional connectivity.

Adherence to cognitive and physical exercise engagement: a challenge to successful dementia risk reduction and prevention efforts

With human life expectancy and proportion of older adults increasing, global use of evidence-supported preventative methods to minimize risk of brain-related disabilities such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias-as well as interventions to slow rate of disease progression-is important. Sustained engagement in cognitive and physical exercise programs may prevent or delay dementia onset as well as maximize health and function of those with dementia. Despite awareness of the importance of cognitive and physical exercise to brain health, exercise program adherence by older adults is extremely challenging. In this Perspective article, we summarize what is known about contributors to exercise program adherence and strategies to promote it. We discuss our viewpoint on knowledge gaps regarding exercise adherence and research that needs to be conducted. We conclude by proposing a multi-dimensional exercise adherence assessment framework that includes portable neurophysiologic technologies to inform initial design and updating of individualized exercise programs that optimize sustained exercise program engagement and, ultimately, maximize brain health in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Effects of combined physical and cognitive training on executive function of adolescent shooting athletes: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Individual executive function improvement through physical and cognitive training is a research hotspot in physical education and cognitive science. However, few studies have evaluated whether combined physical and cognitive training (CPCT) has greater benefits for executive function performance and cerebral oxygenation in adolescent athletes than cognitive training alone. This study randomly assigned 33 adolescent shooting athletes to a CPCT (n ​= ​17) or computerized cognitive training (CCT, n ​= ​16) group and compared their executive function after six weeks of training. All subjects were assessed using the 2-back, task-switching, and Stroop tests before and after training. The prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) activation level was monitored while executing the three tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Our results showed that the CPCT and CCT groups similarly improved their updating function as indicated by the 2-back task accuracy. The CPCT group significantly improved the switching function in the task-switching test accuracy, while the CCT group did not. However, both groups did not improve in behavioral performance as indicated by the inhibition function in the Stroop task. Cerebral oxygenation, indicated by the oxy-Hb activation level in the frontal pole area of the prefrontal lobe, significantly improved in the CPCT group during the three cognitive tasks, whereas the CCT group showed no change. These findings indicated that CPCT endowed greater advantages in task-switching in the behavioral performance of the executive function than CCT. Moreover, CPCT was superior to CCT in increasing task-efficient cerebral oxygenation during the activation of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent shooting athletes.

Immediate and short-term effects of single-task and motor-cognitive dual-task on executive function

OBJECTIVES

Executive function plays an important role in our daily life and can be affected by both single task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task (acute motor-cognitive training) interventions. Here we explored the immediate and short-term effect on executive function to texted whether dual-task interventions are more effective at promoting executive function.

METHODS

Forty-six young men were recruited (mean age: 20.65 years) and assigned randomly to aerobic exercise (n = 15), cognitive training (n = 15), or dual-task (n = 16) groups. Executive functions were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after intervention using Go/No-go, 2-back, and More-Odd-Shifting tests.

RESULTS

Working memory function improved after all three interventions (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 7.05, p = 0.001). Performance on the 2-back test was significantly better immediately after dual-task intervention (p = 0.038) and the response time was shorter (p = 0.023). Performance on the More-Odd-Shifting test improved over time (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 30.698, p = 0.01), both immediately after the dual-task intervention (p = 0.015), and 30 min later (p = 0.001). Shifting-test performance was also better immediately after (p = 0.005) and 30 min after (p < 0.001) aerobic exercise.

CONCLUSION

Executive function was enhanced by single-task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task interventions. The effect continued for 30 min after both the single-task aerobic exercise and the dual-task intervention. For short-term intervention, the dual-task was not more effective than either of the single tasks.

Effects of cognitive demand during acute exercise on inhibitory control and its electrophysiological indices: A randomized crossover study

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive demand during acute exercise on the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of inhibitory control. In a within- participants design, 30 male participants (age range = 18-27 years) performed 20-min sessions of high cognitive-demand exercise (HE), low cognitive-demand exercise (LE), and an active control (AC) on separate days in a randomized order. A moderate-to-vigorous intensity interval step exercise was used as the exercise intervention. During the exercise periods, the participants were instructed to respond to the target among competing stimuli to impose different cognitive demands with their feet. A modified flanker task was administered to assess inhibitory control before and after the interventions, and electroencephalography was used to derive stimulus-elicited N2 and P3 components. Behavioral data showed that the participants performed significantly shorter reaction time (RT), regardless of congruency and a reduced RT flanker effect following HE and LE compared with the AC condition with large (ds = -0.934 to -1.07) and medium effect sizes (ds = -0.502 to -0.507), respectively. Electrophysiological data revealed that compared with the AC condition, acute HE and LE had facilitative effects on stimuli evaluation, as indicated by significantly shorter N2 latency for congruent trials and P3 latency regardless of congruency with medium effect sizes (ds = -0.507 to -0.777). Compared with the AC condition, only acute HE elicited more efficient neural processes in conditions requiring high inhibitory control demand, as indicated by significantly shorter N2 difference latency, with a medium effect size (d = -0.528). Overall, the findings suggest that acute HE and LE facilitate inhibitory control and the electrophysiological substrates of target evaluation. Acute exercise with higher cognitive demand may be associated with more refined neural processing for tasks demanding greater amounts of inhibitory control.

Acute Effect of a Simultaneous Exercise and Cognitive Task on Executive Functions and Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation in Healthy Older Adults

The rapid increase in population aging and associated age-related cognitive decline requires identifying innovative and effective methods to prevent it. To manage this socio-economic challenge, physical, cognitive, and combined stimulations are proposed. The superiority of simultaneous training compared to passive control and physical training alone seems to be an efficient method, but very few studies assess the acute effect on executive function. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of simultaneous physical and cognitive exercise on executive functions in healthy older adults, in comparison with either training alone. Seventeen healthy older adults performed three experimental conditions in randomized order: physical exercise, cognitive exercise, and simultaneous physical and cognitive exercise. The protocol involved a 30 min exercise duration at 60% of theoretical maximal heart rate or 30 min of cognitive exercise or both. Executive functions measured by the Stroop task and pre-frontal cortex oxygenation were assessed before and after the intervention. We found a main effect of time on executive function and all experimental condition seems to improve inhibition and flexibility scores (<0.05). We also found a decrease in cerebral oxygenation (Δ[HbO2]) in both hemispheres after each intervention in all cognitive performance assessed (p < 0.05). Simultaneous physical and cognitive exercise is as effective a method as either physical or cognitive exercise alone for improving executive function. The results of this study may have important clinical repercussions by allowing to optimize the interventions designed to maintain the cognitive health of older adults since simultaneous provide a time-efficient strategy to improve cognitive performance in older adults.

Leg Fidgeting Improves Executive Function following Prolonged Sitting with a Typical Western Meal: A Randomized, Controlled Cross-Over Trial

Prolonged uninterrupted sitting and a typical Western meal, high in fat and refined sugar, can additively impair cognitive and cerebrovascular functions. However, it is unknown whether interrupting these behaviours, with a simple desk-based activity, can attenuate the impairment. The aim of this study was to determine whether regular leg fidgeting can off-set the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting following the consumption of a typical Western meal, on executive and cerebrovascular function. Using a randomized cross-over design, 13 healthy males consumed a Western meal and completed 180-min of prolonged sitting with leg fidgeting of 1 min on/4 min off (intervention [INT]) and without (control [CON]). Cognitive function was assessed pre and post sitting using the Trail Maker Test (TMT) parts A and B. Common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow, as an index of brain flow, was measured pre and post, and cerebral (FP1) perfusion was measured continuously. For TMT B the CON trial significantly increased (worsened) completion time (mean difference [MD] = 5.2 s, d = 0.38), the number of errors (MD = 3.33, d = 0.68) and cognitive fatigue (MD = 0.73, d = 0.92). Compared to CON, the INT trial significantly improved completion time (MD = 2.3 s, d = 0.97), and prevented declines in cognitive fatigue and a reduction in the number of errors. No significant changes in cerebral perfusion or CCA blood flow were found. Leg fidgeting for 1-min on/4-min off following a meal high in fats and refined sugars attenuated the impairment in executive function. This attenuation in executive function may not be caused by alterations in CCA blood flow or cerebral perfusion.

Bi-Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Treadmill Walking Decreases Motor Cortical Activity in Young and Older Adults

Background: Walking in the "real world" involves motor and cognitive processes. In relation to this, declines in both motor function and cognition contribute to age-related gait dysfunction. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and treadmill walking (STW) have potential to improve gait, particularly during dual-task walking (DTW); walking whilst performing a cognitive task. Our aims were to analyze effects of combined anodal tDCS + STW intervention on cortical activity and gait during DTW. Methods: Twenty-three young adults (YA) and 21 older adults (OA) were randomly allocated to active or sham tDCS stimulation groups. Participants performed 5-min of mixed treadmill walking (alternating 30 s bouts of STW and DTW) before and after a 20-min intervention of active or sham tDCS + STW. Anodal electrodes were placed over the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the vertex (Cz) using 9 cm² electrodes at 0.6 mA. Cortical activity of the PFC, primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA) bilaterally were recorded using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. Oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO₂) levels were analyzed as indicators of cortical activity. An accelerometer measured gait parameters. We calculated the difference between DTW and STW for HbO₂ and gait parameters. We applied linear mixed effects models which included age group (YA vs. OA), stimulation condition (sham vs. active), and time (pre- vs. post-intervention) as fixed effects. Treadmill belt speed was a covariate. Partial correlation tests were also performed. Results: A main effect of age group was observed. OA displayed higher activity bilaterally in the PFC and M1, unilaterally in the right PMC and higher gait variability than YA. M1 activity decreased in both YA and OA following active tDCS + STW. There was no overall effect of tDCS + STW on PFC activity or gait parameters. However, negative correlations were observed between changes in left PFC and stride length variability following active tDCS + STW intervention. Conclusion: Increased activity in multiple cortical areas during DTW in OA may act as a compensatory mechanism. Reduction in M1 activity following active tDCS + STW with no observed gait changes suggests improved neural efficiency.

Moderate intensity cycling combined with cognitive dual-task improves selective attention

Physical and cognitive exercises have positive long-term effects on cognitive capacities. However, acute effects still are controversial. Here we determine the acute effects of physical exercise combined with concurrent cognitive exercise on cognitive performance in young adults. Simple reaction time, selective attention, and memory were evaluated in 23 young men before and after 30 min of stationary cycling exercise, 30 min of stationary cycling exercise combined with cognitive exercise, and 30 min of rest. Exercise intensity was continuously controlled to ensure exercise at moderate intensity. We found that physical exercise combined with cognitive dual-task improves selective attention. Both exercise conditions showed similar effects on simple reaction time, and memory was not affected by the different exercise conditions. We conclude that the combination of cycling exercise at moderate intensity with a cognitive exercise acutely improves selective attention in young adults. These results can be of particular interest for interventions aiming at improving selective attention in sports and for older adults and individuals with difficulty to suppress and filter out task-irrelevant information, like when receiving instruction or learning a new task or concept.

The Effects of Combined Physical and Cognitive Training on Inhibitory Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While strong inhibitory control is critical for health and wellbeing, there are no broadly applicable effective behavioural interventions that enhance it. This meta-analysis examined the neurocognitive rationale for combined physical and cognitive training and synthesised the rapidly growing body of evidence examining combined paradigms to enhance inhibitory control. Across the research to date, there was a small positive effect (n studies = 16, n participants = 832) of combined training on improving inhibitory control. Sub-group analyses showed small-moderate positive effects when the physical component of the combined training was moderately intense, as opposed to low or vigorous intensities; moderate positive effects were found in older adults, as compared to adolescents and adults; and healthy individuals and those with vascular cognitive impairment, as compared to ADHD, ASD, mild cognitive impairment and cancer survivors. This is the first meta-analysis to provide evidence that combined physical, specifically when moderately intense, and cognitive training has the capacity to improve inhibitory control, particularly when delivered to healthy individuals and those experiencing age-related decline.

Mini-Review of Studies Testing the Cardiorespiratory Hypothesis With Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): Overview and Perspectives

The cardiorespiratory hypothesis (CH) is one of the hypotheses used by researchers to explain the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance during executive functions. Despite the indubitable beneficial effect of training on brain blood flow and function that may explain the link between physical fitness and cognition and the recognition of the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a reliable tool for measuring brain oxygenation, few studies investigated the CH with NIRS. It is still not well understood whether an increase in brain flow by training is translated into an increase in cerebral oxygenation. Thus, the objective of this mini-review was to summarize main results of studies that investigated the CH using the NIRS and to propose future research directions.

Exercise in Aging: Be Balanced

The beneficial effects of exercise are recognized for preventing physical and cognitive decline during the aging process. However, there is still a gap concerning recommended intensity, volume, frequency and mode of exercise especially for older people. The aim of this study was to investigate an appropriate type of physical activity (PA) model for healthy aging. A commentary of the influence of PA and exercise on healthy aging through an online search of the databases Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. Two living groups can be considered as potential references: modern hunter-gatherer small-scale population and master athletes. Greater physical activity is proposed for healthy aging than that recommended by WHO. Additionally, mindfulness meditation techniques during exercise are recommended especially for persons practicing long-duration exercises. Complex and compound exercise and workouts should include challenging exercises adjusted and balanced to provide clients, especially older people, with noticeable changes and progress.

Acute Exercise and Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown the impact of acute aerobic exercises (AAE) on cognition in healthy adults or at a pre-dementia stage. Few studies, however, have explored the positive effects of AAE in moderate Alzheimer's disease (ADM) patients.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating the effect of AAE on cognitive functions in ADM patients.

METHODS

Overall, 79 (age: 69.62±0.99) ADM patients were recruited. Participants were divided into three groups according to the task: aerobic exercises done alone or combined with cognitive games presented on a screen, and a control group who performed a reading task. The aerobic exercise protocol consisted of a 20-min cycling exercise of moderate intensity, corresponding to 60%of the individual target maximal heart rate recorded in a 6-minute walking test. The participants' cognition was monitored before and after the intervention using the Tower of Hanoi, Digit Span, and Stroop tasks.

RESULTS

After the exercise, the participants' attention in both the physical and combined groups improved for the Stroop, the forward and backward Digit Span tasks, as well as the time taken to solve the Tower of Hanoi, although no significant differences were found in the number of moves taken in the latter. By contrast, the control group did not show any significant improvement for most of the cognitive tasks after the reading session.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that AAE may help to improve cognitive functions in ADM patients. This improvement is enhanced when the exercise is combined with cognitive games. Safe and progressive types of exercises should be promoted among ADM patients.

Effect of exergaming versus combined exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in frail older adults: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is prevalent among frail older adults. Traditional exercise and exergaming positively affect cognition in healthy older people. However, few studies have investigated the effects of exergaming on cognition and brain activation in frail older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the effect of Kinect based exergaming (EXER) and combined physical exercise (CPE) training on cognitive function and brain activation in frail older adults in Taiwan. We hypothesised that EXER would be superior to CPE in this population.

METHODS

We randomised 46 community-dwelling frail older adults to the EXER or CPE group for 36 sessions (three 60-min training sessions per week) over 12 weeks. Outcome measures for cognitive function included global cognition measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, executive function measured by the Executive Interview 25, verbal memory measured by the Chinese version of the California Verbal Learning Test, attention measured by the Stroop Colour and Word Test and Trail Making Test (part B), and working memory measured by spatial n-back tests. Prefrontal cortex activation during the global cognition test was documented with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

RESULTS

Both groups improved significantly in global cognition (P<0.05), executive function (P<0.05), and attention (P<0.05) after the 12-week intervention. The group×time interaction indicated that EXER training significantly enhanced global cognition more than CPE training (F(1,44)=5.277, P=0.026). Moreover, only the EXER group showed significant improvements in verbal (P<0.05) and working (P<0.05) memory after the intervention. The fNIRS hemodynamics data revealed decreased activation in prefrontal cortices of both groups (P<0.05) during the post-training cognitive assessment, thereby suggesting greater neural efficiency; however, we found no significant group difference.

CONCLUSION

In frail older adults, exergaming and CPE could improve cognitive function, most likely by increasing neural efficiency. Moreover, exergaming may be superior to CPE, particularly in improving global cognition.

Examining the relationships among adolescent health behaviours, prefrontal function, and academic achievement using fNIRS

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Prior studies document effects of lifestyle behaviors on the brain and academics.

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Among adolescents we found that activity and eating both predict task performance.

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Activity also predicts functional activation in the right lateral dlPFC, but not grades.

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Substance use predicted worse grades but not brain-related mediators.

Several adolescent health behaviours have been hypothesized to improve academic performance via their beneficial impact on cognitive control and functional aspects of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between lifestyle behaviours and academic performance in a sample of adolescents, and to examine the extent to which activity within the PFC and behavioural indices of inhibition may mediate this relationship. Sixty-seven adolescents underwent two study sessions five days apart. Sleep and physical activity were measured using wrist-mounted accelerometry; eating habits, substance use and academic achievement were measured by self-report. Prefrontal function was quantified by Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT) performance, and task-related activity via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Higher levels of physical activity predicted higher MSIT accuracy scores (β = .321, ρ = 0.019) as well as greater activation within the right dlPFC (b = .008, SE = .004, ρ = .0322). Frequency of fast-food consumption and substance use were negatively associated with MSIT accuracy scores (β = −0.307, ρ = .023) and Math grades (b = −3.702, SE = 1.563, ρ = .022), respectively. Overall, the results of this study highlight the importance of lifestyle behaviours as predictors of prefrontal function and academic achievement in youth.

Sex Differences in the Oxygenation of the Left and Right Prefrontal Cortex during Moderate-Intensity Exercise

INTRODUCTION

Differences in cognitive performance with exercise between men and women have previously been reported. In this study, we evaluated between-sex differences in oxygenation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AE), which could contribute to noted differences in cognitive function.

METHOD

The subjects were ten men (age, 21.5 ± 0.5 years; height, 171.7 ± 4.8 cm; weight, 65.6 ± 5.6 kg) and ten women (age, 21.4 ± 0.5 years; height, 157.6 ± 4.9 cm; weight, 51.3 ± 6.5 kg). They completed our AE protocol, consisting of a 30-min leg-ergometer cycling at an intensity of 50% peak oxygen uptake, with an initial 4-min rest period for baseline measurement. Measures of the dynamics of cerebral oxygenation included: oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) in the left and right PFC (LR-PFC) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb). The 30-min exercise period was subdivided into six 5-min phases, with the average and peak values determined in each phase.

RESULTS

A significant interaction was found between LR-PFC HHb and sex (p < 0.001), with significantly higher values in men than in women in phases 3-6 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We report a significant sex effect of HHb in the LR-PFC.

Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Exercise Promotes Motor Cortex Plasticity and Executive Function in Sedentary Females

Previous research has demonstrated that regular exercise modulates motor cortical plasticity and cognitive function, but the influence of short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) remains unclear. In the present study, the effect of short-term HIIT on neuroplasticity and executive function was assessed in 32 sedentary females. Half of the participants undertook 2 weeks of HIIT. Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS) was used to measure motor cortical plasticity via short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). We further adapted the Stroop task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to evaluate executive function in the participants. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the HIIT group exhibited decreased ICF. In the Stroop task, the HIIT group displayed greater activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) even though no significant difference in task performance was observed. These findings indicate that short-term HIIT may modulate motor cortical plasticity and executive function at the neural level.

Effects of acute exercise at different intensities on fine motor-cognitive dual-task performance while walking: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Studies on the effects of acute exercises on cognitive functions vary greatly and depend on the duration and intensity of exercise and the type of cognitive tasks. This study aimed to investigate the neural correlates that underpin the acute effects of high-intensity interval (HIIE) versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MCE) on fine motor-cognitive performance while walking (dual-task, DT) in healthy young adults. Twenty-nine healthy right-handers (mean age: 25.1 years ± 4.04; 7 female) performed the digital trail-making-test (dTMT) while walking (5 km/h) before and after acute exercise. During task performance, the hemodynamic activation of the frontopolar area (FPA), dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC), and motor cortex (M1) was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Both HIIE and MCE resulted in improved dTMT performance, as reflected by an increase in the number of completed circles and a reduction in the time within and between circuits (reflecting improvements in working memory, inhibition, and decision making). Notably, HIIE evoked higher cortical activity on all brain areas measured in the present study than the MCE group. To our knowledge, these results provide the first empirical evidence using a mobile neuroimaging approach that both HIIE and MCE improve executive function during walking, likely mediated by increased activation of the task-related area of the prefrontal cortex and the ability to effectively use, among other things, high fitness levels as neural enrichment resources.

fNIRS STUDY OF EFFECTS OF FOOT BATH ON HUMAN BRAIN AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

As a nondrug complementary therapy and healthy leisure physiotherapy method, foot bath (FB) is gaining acceptance and popularity in many areas. The significance of this research is to study the close and complex connection between FB stimulation and the human brain using fNIRS neuroimaging techniques. Participants were placed under two different conditions (normal and foot bath) and instructed to perform Stroop task of color word matching. Research on the behavioral results of the subjects showed that FB can effectively regulate the efficiency of humans in the process of performing tasks in a natural state. The fNIRS findings showed that the PFC in the FB condition was weakly activated compared to the normal condition. FB can realize the natural and healthy regulation of human brain cognitive function, which will have an impact on many production activities in human daily life.

Effect of Light on Cognitive Function During a Stroop Task Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Light modulates human brain function through its effect on circadian rhythms, which are related to several human behavioral and physiological processes. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive optical neuroimaging technique used for recording brain activation during task performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of light on cognitive function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex using fNIRS. The effect of light on cognitive modulation was analyzed using the Stroop task, which was performed on 30 participants under three different light conditions (color temperature 4500 K, 2500 K, and none). The behavioral results indicated that light conditions can easily and effectively modulate the performance of tasks based on the feedback, including the response time and accuracy. fNIRS showed hemodynamic changes in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, and the activated brain regions varied under different light conditions. Moreover, light may be regarded as a safe, effective, inexpensive, and accessible tool for modulating human cognitive function.

Effects of physical activity on brain function and structure in older adults: A systematic review

Despite increasing evidence that physical activity (PA) contributes to brain health in older individuals, both at the level of brain structure and function, this relationship is not yet well established. To explore this potential association, a systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 32 studies met the eligibility criteria: 24 cross-sectional and 8 longitudinal. Results from structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed that PA associated with larger brain volumes (less brain atrophy) specifically in brain regions vulnerable to dementia, comprising the hippocampus, temporal, and frontal regions. Furthermore, functional MRI (fMRI) showed greater task-relevant activity in brain areas recruited in executive function and memory tasks. However, the dose-response relationship is unclear due to the high variability in PA measures. Further research using objective measures is needed to better understand which PA type, intensity, frequency, and duration, has the greatest protective effect on brain health. Findings highlight the importance of PA in both cognitive decline and dementia prevention.

Caffeine Effect on Cognitive Function during a Stroop Task: fNIRS Study

Acting as a brain stimulant, coffee resulted in heightening alertness, keeping arousal, improving executive speed, maintaining vigilance, and promoting memory, which are associated with attention, mood, and cognitive function. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive optical method to monitor brain activity by measuring the absorption of the near-infrared light through the intact skull. This study is aimed at acquiring brain activation during executing task performance. The aim is to explore the effect of coffee on cognitive function by the fNIRS neuroimaging method, particularly on the prefrontal cortex regions. The behavioral experimental results on 31 healthy subjects with a Stroop task indicate that coffee can easily and effectively modulate the execute task performance by feedback information of the response time and accuracy rate. The findings of fNIRS showed that apparent hemodynamic changes were detected in the bilateral VLPFC regions and the brain activation regions varied with different coffee conditions.

The Influence of an Acute Exercise Bout on Adolescents' Stress Reactivity, Interference Control, and Brain Oxygenation Under Stress

Background

High psychosocial stress can impair executive function in adolescents, whereas acute exercise has been reported to benefit this cognitive domain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an acute bout of aerobic exercise improves the inhibitory aspect of executive function and the associated dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) oxygenation when under stress.

Methods

Sixty male high school students aged 16–20 years performed a Stroop task (baseline condition) and were randomly assigned to an exercise group (30 min on ergometer at 70% of maximum heart rate) and a control group (30 min of reading). Subsequently, all participants underwent a modified Trier Social Stress Test, which included a Stroop task under enhanced stress. The Stroop tasks in both conditions were combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy to record changes in DLPFC oxygenation in response to the tasks. Stress reactivity was measured with saliva samples (cortisol, alpha-amylase), heart rate monitoring, and anxiety scores.

Results

All stress parameters indicated increases in response to the stressor (p < 0.001), with higher alpha-amylase [t(58) = −3.45, p = 0.001, d = 1.93] and anxiety [t(58) = −2.04, p = 0.046, d = 0.53] reactions in the control compared to the exercise group. Controlling for these two parameters, repeated measures analyses of covariance targeting changes in Stroop interference scores showed no main effect of stress [F(1,58) = 3.80, p = 0.056, ηp² = 0.063] and no stress × group interaction [F(1,58) = 0.43, p = 0.517, ηp² = 0.008]. Similarly, there was no main effect of stress [F(1,58) = 2.38, p = 0.128, ηp² = 0.040] and no stress × group interaction [F(1,58) = 2.80, p = 0.100, ηp² = 0.047] for DLPFC oxygenation.

Conclusion

Our study confirms potentially health-enhancing effects of acute exercise on some of the physiological and psychological stress reactivity indicators. However, our data do not support the notion of an effect on interference control and DLPFC activation under stress.

Shedding Light on the Effects of Moderate Acute Exercise on Working Memory Performance in Healthy Older Adults: An fNIRS Study

Numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of acute exercise on executive functions. Less is known, however, about the effects of exercise on working memory as one subcomponent of executive functions and about its effects on older adults. We investigated the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on working memory performance, the respective cortical hemodynamic activation patterns, and the development and persistence of such effects in healthy older adults. Forty-four participants (M: 69.18 years ± 3.92; 21 females) performed a letter 2-back task before and at three time points after (post 15 min, post 30 min, and post 45 min) either listening to an audiobook or exercising (15 min; 50% VO2-peak). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to assess cortical hemodynamic activation and brain-behavior correlations in the fronto-parietal working memory network. Overall, we found no group differences for working memory performance. However, only within the experimental group, 2-back performance was enhanced 15 min and 45 min post-exercise. Furthermore, 15 min post-exercise frontal activation predicted working memory performance, regardless of group. In sum, our results indicate slight beneficial effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on working memory performance in healthy older adults. Findings are discussed in light of the cognitive aging process and moderators affecting the exercise-cognition relationship.

Increased cerebral blood flow supports a single-bout postexercise benefit to executive function: evidence from hypercapnia

A single bout of aerobic exercise improves executive function; however, the mechanism for the improvement remains unclear. One proposal asserts that an exercise-mediated increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) enhances the efficiency of executive-related cortical structures. To examine this, participants completed separate 10-min sessions of moderate- to heavy-intensity aerobic exercise, a hypercapnic environment (i.e., 5% CO₂), and a nonexercise and nonhypercapnic control condition. The hypercapnic condition was included because it produces an increase in CBF independent of metabolic demands. An estimate of CBF was achieved via transcranial Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy that provided measures of middle cerebral artery blood velocity (BV) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), respectively. Exercise intensity was adjusted to match participant-specific changes in BV and HHb associated with the hypercapnic condition. Executive function was assessed before and after each session via antisaccades (i.e., saccade mirror-symmetrical to a target) because the task is mediated via the same executive networks that demonstrate task-dependent modulation following single and chronic bouts of aerobic exercise. Results showed that hypercapnic and exercise conditions were associated with comparable BV and HHb changes, whereas the control condition did not produce a change in either metric. In terms of antisaccade performance, the exercise and hypercapnic, but not control, conditions demonstrated improved postcondition reaction times (RT), and the magnitude of the hypercapnic and exercise-based increase in estimated CBF was reliably related to the postcondition improvement in RT. Accordingly, results evince that an increase in CBF represents a candidate mechanism for a postexercise improvement in executive function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Single-bout aerobic exercise "boosts" executive function, and increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) has been proposed as a mechanism for the benefit. In this study, participants completed 10 min of aerobic exercise and 10 min of inhaling a hypercapnic gas, a manipulation known to increase CBF independently of metabolic demands. Both exercise and hypercapnic conditions improved executive function for at least 20 min. Accordingly, an increase in CBF is a candidate mechanism for the postexercise improvement in executive function.

ABBaH: Activity Breaks for Brain Health. A Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Trial

Introduction: Extended periods of sitting may have detrimental effects on brain health. However, the effects of breaking up prolonged sedentary periods with frequent, short physical activity bouts on mechanisms to improve brain health remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate effects of uninterrupted sitting and frequent, short bouts of physical activity on cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in the prefrontal cortex in middle-aged adults.

Methods: This is a protocol article to describe a randomized crossover study. We will collect data from 13 healthy adults, aged between 40 and 60 years old, with a body mass index <35 kg/m². Participants will be required to come into the laboratory on three occasions, sit for 3 h, and perform a different type of break for 3 min every 30 min at each visit in a random order, being either: (1) a social break; (2) brisk walk on a treadmill; or (3) simple resistance activities. Before and after each experimental condition, cerebral blood flow (primary outcome) will be measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), with short-separation channels, and working memory (1-, 2-, and 3-back on the computer) will be assessed. The following additional secondary outcomes will be collected: psychological factors (questionnaires); arterial stiffness; salivary cortisol levels; and blood glucose levels.

Conclusion: The results from this randomized crossover study will determine the effects of uninterrupted sitting and frequent, short bouts of physical activity on cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance. Publication of this study protocol emphasizes the importance of registration and publication of protocols in the field of sedentary behavior research.

The Effects of 12-Week Physical Exercise Tapping High-level Cognitive Functions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise tapping high-level cognitive functions on both cognitive function and fitness in older adults. In total, 96 healthy older adults took part in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: a cognitive training group (CG), physical exercise group (PG), simultaneous cognitive training and physical exercise group (C+PG), and the healthy control group (HG; received physical exercise materials but did not participate in a cognitive or exercise programme). The outcomes were the changes in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and the computerized modified Stroop task, which included two conditions, a naming condition (nonexecutive) and an executive condition. The results showed that the dynamic balance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and physical activity levels of the PG and C+PG were significantly better than those of the HG after the 12-week intervention. The times of the TUG test in these two groups were also significantly faster than those in the HG. Additionally, the C+PG exhibited better dual-task function than the PG. Over 12 weeks, the CG, PG, and C+PG demonstrated improved performance of executive function, but only the C+PG showed a general facilitative effect on nonexecutive control. Physical exercise tapping high-level cognitive functions and cognitive training can thus improve executive function more quickly than physical exercise alone. Moreover, physical exercise tapping high-level cognitive functions showed better fitness improvement than cognitive training alone, especially in dynamic balance.

Enhancing Attention by Synchronizing Respiration and Fingertip Pressure: A Pilot Study Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Sustained attention is a fundamental ability ensuring effective cognitive processing and can be enhanced by meditation practice. However, keeping a focused meditative state is challenging for novices because involuntary mind-wandering frequently occurs during their practice. Inspired by the potential of force-control tasks in invoking internal somatic attention, we proposed a haptics-assisted meditation (HAM) to help reduce mind-wandering and enhance attention. During HAM, participants were instructed to maintain awareness on the respiration and meanwhile adjust bimanual fingertip pressures to keep synchronized with the respiration. This paradigm required somatosensory attention as a physiological foundation, aiming to help novices meditate starting with the body and gradually gain essential meditation skills. A cross-sectional study on 12 novices indicated that the participants reported less mind-wandering during HAM compared with the classic breath-counting meditation (BCM). In a further longitudinal study, the experimental group with 10 novices showed significantly improved performance in several attentional tests after 5 days' practice of HAM. They tended to show more significant improvements in a few tests than did the control group performing the 5-day BCM practice. To investigate the brain activities related to HAM, we applied functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record cerebral hemodynamic responses from the prefrontal and sensorimotor cortices when performing HAM, and we assessed the changes in cerebral activation and functional connectivity (FC) after the 5-day HAM practice. The prefrontal and sensorimotor regions demonstrated a uniform activation when performing HAM, and there was a significant increase in the right prefrontal activation after the practice. We also observed significant changes in the FC between the brain regions related to the attention networks. These behavioral and neural findings together provided preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of HAM on attention enhancement in the early stage of meditation learning.