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Qian Y, Schwartz A, Jung A, Zhang Y, Seitz U, Wilds G, Kim M, Kramer AF, Chukoskie L. The Influence of Separate and Combined Exercise and Foreign Language Acquisition on Learning and Cognition. Brain Sci 2024; 14:572. [PMID: 38928573 PMCID: PMC11201889 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging contributes significantly to cognitive decline. Aerobic exercise (AE) has been shown to induce substantial neuroplasticity changes, enhancing cognitive and brain health. Likewise, recent research underscores the cognitive benefits of foreign language learning (FLL), indicating improvements in brain structure and function across age groups. However, the lack of a comprehensive paradigm integrating language learning with exercise limits research on combined effects in older adults. In order to address this gap, we devised a novel approach using a virtual world tourism scenario for auditory-based language learning combined with aerobic cycling. Our study examines the impact of simultaneous AE and FLL integration on cognitive and language learning outcomes compared to FLL alone. A total of 20 older adults were randomly assigned to AE + FLL and FLL-only groups. The results revealed significantly improved Spanish language learning outcomes in both combined and language learning-only groups. Additionally, significant cognitive function improvement was observed in the FLL group following short-term language learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Qian
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Q.); (A.S.); (A.J.); (G.W.)
| | - Anna Schwartz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Q.); (A.S.); (A.J.); (G.W.)
| | - Ara Jung
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Q.); (A.S.); (A.J.); (G.W.)
| | - Yichi Zhang
- College of Art, Media and Design, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Z.); (U.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Uri Seitz
- College of Art, Media and Design, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Z.); (U.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Gabrielle Wilds
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Q.); (A.S.); (A.J.); (G.W.)
| | - Miso Kim
- College of Art, Media and Design, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Z.); (U.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- The Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Leanne Chukoskie
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Q.); (A.S.); (A.J.); (G.W.)
- College of Art, Media and Design, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.Z.); (U.S.); (M.K.)
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