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Taylor EM, Cadwallader CJ, Curtin D, Chong TTJ, Hendrikse JJ, Coxon JP. High-intensity acute exercise impacts motor learning in healthy older adults. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:9. [PMID: 38368455 PMCID: PMC10874400 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Healthy aging is associated with changes in motor sequence learning, with some studies indicating decline in motor skill learning in older age. Acute cardiorespiratory exercise has emerged as a potential intervention to improve motor learning, however research in healthy older adults is limited. The current study investigated the impact of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) on a subsequent sequential motor learning task. Twenty-four older adults (aged 55-75 years) completed either 20-minutes of cycling, or an equivalent period of active rest before practicing a sequential force grip task. Skill learning was assessed during acquisition and at a 6-hour retention test. In contrast to expectation, exercise was associated with reduced accuracy during skill acquisition compared to rest, particularly for the oldest participants. However, improvements in motor skill were retained in the exercise condition, while a reduction in skill was observed following rest. Our findings indicate that high-intensity exercise conducted immediately prior to learning a novel motor skill may have a negative impact on motor performance during learning in older adults. We also demonstrated that exercise may facilitate early offline consolidation of a motor skill within this population, which has implications for motor rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M Taylor
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Claire J Cadwallader
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Dylan Curtin
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Trevor T-J Chong
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Joshua J Hendrikse
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - James P Coxon
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Bogard AT, Hemmerle MR, Smith AC, Tan AQ. Enhanced motor learning and motor savings after acute intermittent hypoxia are associated with a reduction in metabolic cost. J Physiol 2023:10.1113/JP285425. [PMID: 37983629 PMCID: PMC11102937 DOI: 10.1113/jp285425] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breathing mild bouts of low oxygen air (i.e. acute intermittent hypoxia, AIH) has been shown to improve locomotor function in humans after a spinal cord injury. How AIH-induced gains in motor performance are achieved remains unclear. We examined the hypothesis that AIH augments motor learning and motor retention during a locomotor adaptation task. We further hypothesized that gains in motor learning and retention will be associated with reductions in net metabolic power, consistent with the acquisition of energetically favourable mechanics. Thirty healthy individuals were randomly allocated into either a control group or an AIH group. We utilized a split-belt treadmill to characterize adaptations to an unexpected belt speed perturbation of equal magnitude during an initial exposure and a second exposure. Adaptation was characterized by changes in spatiotemporal step asymmetry, anterior-posterior force asymmetry, and net metabolic power. While both groups adapted by reducing spatial asymmetry, only the AIH group achieved significant reductions in double support time asymmetry and propulsive force asymmetry during both the initial and the second exposures to the belt speed perturbation. Net metabolic power was also significantly lower in the AIH group, with significant reductions from the initial perturbation exposure to the second. These results provide the first evidence that AIH mediates improvements in both motor learning and retention. Further, our results suggest that reductions in net metabolic power continue to be optimized upon subsequent learning and are driven by more energetically favourable temporal coordination strategies. Our observation that AIH facilitates motor learning and retention can be leveraged to design rehabilitation interventions that promote functional recovery. KEY POINTS: Brief exposures to low oxygen air, known as acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), improves locomotor function in humans after a spinal cord injury, but it remains unclear how gains in motor performance are achieved. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AIH induces enhancements in motor learning and retention by quantifying changes in interlimb coordination, anterior-posterior force symmetry and metabolic cost during a locomotor adaptation task. We show the first evidence that AIH improves both motor learning and savings of newly learned temporal interlimb coordination strategies and force asymmetry compared to untreated individuals. We further demonstrate that AIH elicits greater reductions in metabolic cost during motor learning that continues to be optimized upon subsequent learning. Our findings suggest that AIH-induced gains in locomotor performance are facilitated by enhancements in motor learning and retention of more energetically favourable coordination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysha T Bogard
- Sensorimotor Recovery and Neuroplasticity Lab at the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Makenna R Hemmerle
- Sensorimotor Recovery and Neuroplasticity Lab at the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Andrew C Smith
- Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew Q Tan
- Sensorimotor Recovery and Neuroplasticity Lab at the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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Jespersen L, Maes KM, Ardenkjær-Skinnerup N, Roig M, Bjørndal JR, Beck MM, Lundbye-Jensen J. Acute exercise performed before and after motor practice enhances the positive effects on motor memory consolidation. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 205:107830. [PMID: 37741613 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Performing a single bout of exercise can enhance motor learning and long-term retention of motor skills. Parameters such as the intensity and when the exercise bout is performed in relation to skill practice (i.e., timing) likely influence the effectiveness. However, it is still not fully understood how exercise should be administered to maximize its effects and how exercise interacts with distinct components of skill learning. Here, we expand this knowledge by investigating the potential synergistic effects of performing acute exercise both prior to and following motor practice. Sixty-four, able-bodied, young adult male participants practiced a sequential visuomotor accuracy tracking (SVAT) task requiring rapid and accurate force modulation and high levels of precision control using intrinsic hand muscles. The task also contained a repeated pattern of targets that allowed sequence-specific skill improvements. Sequential and non-sequential motor performance was assessed at baseline, immediately after motor practice, and again seven days later. One group performed moderate-intensity exercise before practice (PREMO), a second group performed high-intensity exercise after practice (POSTHI), a third group exercised both before and after practice (PREMO + POSTHI), and a fourth group did not exercise during these periods (CON). Regardless of the exercise condition, acute exercise improved long-term retention of the skill by countering performance decay between experimental sessions (i.e., a 7-day interval). Furthermore, exercising both before and after motor practice led to the greatest improvements in skilled performance over time. We found that the effects of exercise were not specific to the practiced sequence. Namely, the effects of exercise generalized across sequential and non-sequential target positions and orders. This suggests that acute exercise works through mechanisms that promote general aspects of motor memory (e.g., lasting improvements in fast and accurate motor execution). The results demonstrate that various exercise protocols can promote the stabilization and long-term retention of motor skills. This effect can be enhanced when exercise is performed both before and after practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Jespersen
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Katrine Matlok Maes
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicoline Ardenkjær-Skinnerup
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Roig
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory, Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Laval, Quebec, Canada; School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonas Rud Bjørndal
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Malling Beck
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegård Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bonuzzi GMG, Bastos FH, Schweighofer N, Wade E, Winstein CJ, Torriani-Pasin C. Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise performed before motor practice attenuates offline implicit motor learning in stroke survivors but not age-matched neurotypical adults. Exp Brain Res 2023:10.1007/s00221-023-06659-w. [PMID: 37395857 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06659-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The acute impact of cardiovascular exercise on implicit motor learning of stroke survivors is still unknown. We investigated the effects of cardiovascular exercise on implicit motor learning of mild-moderately impaired chronic stroke survivors and neurotypical adults. We addressed whether exercise priming effects are time-dependent (e.g., exercise before or after practice) in the encoding (acquisition) and recall (retention) phases. Forty-five stroke survivors and 45 age-matched neurotypical adults were randomized into three sub-groups: BEFORE (exercise, then motor practice), AFTER (motor practice, then exercise), and No-EX (motor practice alone). All sub-groups practiced a serial reaction time task (five repeated and two pseudorandom sequences per day) on three consecutive days, followed 7 days later by a retention test (one repeated sequence). Exercise was performed on a stationary bike, (one 20-min bout per day) at 50% to 70% heart rate reserve. Implicit motor learning was measured as a difference score (repeated-pseudorandom sequence response time) during practice (acquisition) and recall (delayed retention). Separate analyses were performed on the stroke and neurotypical groups using linear mixed-effects models (participant ID was a random effect). There was no exercise-induced benefit on implicit motor learning for any sub-group. However, exercise performed before practice impaired encoding in neurotypical adults and attenuated retention performance of stroke survivors. There is no benefit to implicit motor learning of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise for stroke survivors or age-matched neurotypical adults, regardless of timing. Practice under a high arousal state and exercise-induced fatigue may have attenuated offline learning in stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano Marcio Gatinho Bonuzzi
- Department of Physical Education, State University of Piauí, Professor Barros Araújo Campus, BR-316, KM 299, Altamira, Picos, Piaui, 64602-000, Brazil.
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale Do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Flavio Henrique Bastos
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Schweighofer
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric Wade
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Carolee Joyce Winstein
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Camila Torriani-Pasin
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Neurorehabilitation, Exercise Science and Learning (NEUROEXCEL), Department of Physical Therapy and Movement Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
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Lewis AF, Bohnenkamp R, Johnson L, den Ouden DB, Wilcox S, Fritz SL, Stewart JC. Effects of positive social comparative feedback on motor sequence learning and performance expectancies. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1005705. [PMID: 36760911 PMCID: PMC9902358 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1005705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Positive social comparative feedback indicates to the learner that they are performing better than others. While this type feedback supports motor skill learning in some tasks, the effect of social comparative feedback on implicit motor sequence learning remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of positive social comparative feedback on the learning of and expectancies for a motor sequence task. Methods Forty-eight individuals practiced a joystick-based sequence task and were divided into three feedback groups: CONTROL (no performance feedback), RT ONLY (response time only feedback), and RT+POS (response time plus positive social comparison). Participants attended sessions on two consecutive days: Day 1 for repetitive motor practice/skill acquisition and Day 2 for retention testing. Performance related expectancies, like perceived competence, were measured before and after motor practice on Day 1 and at retention on Day 2. Results While all groups improved with practice, the CONTROL group showed better overall performance/learning (faster response times) compared with the RT ONLY group. Despite similar response times, the RT+POS showed higher peak velocities than the RT ONLY group. Overall, the RT+POS and CONTROL demonstrated increases in perceived competence while the RT ONLY group did not. Discussion The results of this study suggest that feedback content is an important consideration during motor practice sessions since feedback without context (RT ONLY) may be detrimental to motor sequence learning. The results also suggest that, if providing performance related feedback during practice of a skill that relies on implicit sequence learning processes, comparative context may be necessary for enhancing expectancies and supporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison F. Lewis
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Rachel Bohnenkamp
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Lynn Johnson
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Dirk B. den Ouden
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Stacy L. Fritz
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jill Campbell Stewart
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Jill Campbell Stewart, ✉
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Fernández-Rodríguez R, Álvarez-Bueno C, Martínez-Ortega IA, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Mesas AE, Notario-Pacheco B. Immediate effect of high-intensity exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 11:367-375. [PMID: 34481089 PMCID: PMC9189701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been identified as a molecular biomarker of the neurophysiological effects induced by exercise, the acute effects of high-intensity exercise (HIE) on BDNF levels are inconclusive. This study aims to estimate the immediate effects of HIE on BDNF levels in healthy young adults. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscuss databases up to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs reporting pre-post changes in serum or plasma BDNF after an acute intervention of HIE compared to a control condition were included. Pooled effect sizes (p-ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated for RCTs using a random effects model with Stata/SE (Version 15.0; StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. PROPERO registration number: CRD42020221047. RESULTS A total of 22 studies with 552 individuals (age range: 20-31 years; 59.1% male) were included. The meta-analysis included 10 RCTs that reported valid outcome data. Higher BDNF levels were observed when HIE interventions were compared with non-exercise (p-ES = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.12-0.98; I2 = 25.7%; n = 4 studies) and light-intensity exercise (p-ES = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.15-1.40; I2 = 52.4%; n = 3 studies) but not moderate-intensity exercise (p-ES = 0.93, 95%CI: -0.16 to 2.02; I2 = 88.5%; n = 4 studies) conditions. CONCLUSION In comparison to non-exercise or light-intensity exercises, an immediate increase in BDNF levels may occur when young adults perform HIE. Given the benefits obtained maximizing circulating BDNF when performing HIE and its potential effects on brain health, our findings suggest that HIE could be recommended by clinicians as a useful exercise strategy to healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca 16071, Spain; Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción 2024, Paraguay.
| | | | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca 16071, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Arthur Eumann Mesas
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca 16071, Spain; Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidad Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil
| | - Blanca Notario-Pacheco
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca 16071, Spain
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7
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Wang YH, Zhou HH, Luo Q, Cui S. The effect of physical exercise on circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2544. [PMID: 35274832 PMCID: PMC9014996 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how physical exercise (PE) would affect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of healthy subjects. METHODS Seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus) were searched for RCTs assessing the effects of PE on serum and/or plasma BDNF until December 18, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed by random-effects method with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity. Trim and fill method, and leave-one-out cross-validation were conducted. RESULTS Eventually, 21 articles, involving 809 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, both acute (5 trials, SMD: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.36 to 2.04, p = .005) and long-term (17 trials, SMD: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.08, p = .001) PE had significant positive effects on BDNF levels. Via subgroup analysis, studies of long-term PE with larger sample sizes, female participants, participants older than 60 years, and aerobic exercise contributed to a more pronounced improvement on BDNF levels than that found when all studies were combined. CONCLUSION Both acute and long-term PE had significant positive effects on circulating BDNF in healthy subjects. This review suggests that acute exercise and long-term aerobic exercise are powerful forms of PE to enhance neurotrophic effect, especially for female subjects or subjects over 60 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hai Wang
- Physical Education College, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhou
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pu'er Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pu'er, China
| | - Sidong Cui
- Physical Education College, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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Moriarty T, Johnson A, Thomas M, Evers C, Auten A, Cavey K, Dorman K, Bourbeau K. Acute Aerobic Exercise-Induced Motor Priming Improves Piano Performance and Alters Motor Cortex Activation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:825322. [PMID: 35369225 PMCID: PMC8971979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.825322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to improve fine motor skills and alter activation of the motor cortex (M1). The intensity of exercise may influence M1 activation, and further impact whole-body motor skill performance. The aims of the current study were to compare a whole-body motor skill via a piano task following moderate-intensity training (MIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and to determine if M1 activation is linked to any such changes in performance. Nine subjects (seven females and two males), aged 18 ± 1 years completed a control, MIT, and HIIT trial followed by administration of a piano performance task. M1 activation was evaluated by measuring oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and hemoglobin difference (Hbdiff) changes during post-exercise piano performance using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The results indicate that piano performance scores were higher after the MIT trial, but not HIIT trial, compared to the control trial. A negative relationship was detected between heart rate during HIIT and post-HIIT piano scores. M1 activation (as measured by Hbdiff) was significantly increased after the HIIT trial. M1 activation was also positively associated with piano performance when exercise trials (HIIT + MIT) and all trials (HIIT + MIT + Control) were combined. We found that acute moderate-intensity exercise led to an improvement in complex motor skill performance while higher-intensity exercise increased M1 activation. These results demonstrate that moderate-intensity exercise can prime the nervous system for the acquisition of whole-body motor skills, suggesting that similar exercise protocols may be effective in improving the outcomes of other motor tasks performed during regular routines of daily life (e.g., sporting tasks, activities of daily living or rehabilitation). In addition, it appears that improvements in motor task performance may be driven by M1 activation. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into the complex relationship between exercise intensity, M1 activation, and whole-body motor skill performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Moriarty
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Terence Moriarty,
| | - Andrea Johnson
- School of Music, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Molly Thomas
- School of Music, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Colin Evers
- School of Music, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Abi Auten
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Kristina Cavey
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Katie Dorman
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
| | - Kelsey Bourbeau
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States
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9
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Bonuzzi GMG, Torriani-Pasin C. Cardiovascular exercise and motor learning in non-disabled individuals: A systematic review with a behavioral emphasis. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-65742022005221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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10
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Molloy EN, Mueller K, Beinhölzl N, Blöchl M, Piecha FA, Pampel A, Steele CJ, Scharrer U, Zheleva G, Regenthal R, Sehm B, Nikulin VV, Möller HE, Villringer A, Sacher J. Modulation of premotor cortex response to sequence motor learning during escitalopram intake. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:1449-1462. [PMID: 33148103 PMCID: PMC8138331 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20965161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to motor learning by inducing motor cortical plasticity remains controversial given diverse findings from positive preclinical data to negative findings in recent clinical trials. To empirically address this translational disparity, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging in a double-blind, randomized controlled study to assess whether 20 mg escitalopram improves sequence-specific motor performance and modulates cortical motor response in 64 healthy female participants. We found decreased left premotor cortex responses during sequence-specific learning performance comparing single dose and steady escitalopram state. Escitalopram plasma levels negatively correlated with the premotor cortex response. We did not find evidence in support of improved motor performance after a week of escitalopram intake. These findings do not support the conclusion that one week escitalopram intake increases motor performance but could reflect early adaptive plasticity with improved neural processing underlying similar task performance when steady peripheral escitalopram levels are reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eóin N Molloy
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School NeuroCom, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karsten Mueller
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods & Development Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nathalie Beinhölzl
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Blöchl
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School NeuroCom, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Psychology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Fabian A Piecha
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André Pampel
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods & Development Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Scharrer
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gergana Zheleva
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Regenthal
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vadim V Nikulin
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Harald E Möller
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods & Development Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, Leipzig, Germany.,MindBrainBody Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Sacher
- Emotion Neuroimaging (EGG) Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, Leipzig, Germany
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Nicolini C, Nelson AJ. Current Methodological Pitfalls and Caveats in the Assessment of Exercise-Induced Changes in Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: How Result Reproducibility Can Be Improved. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2021; 2:678541. [PMID: 38235217 PMCID: PMC10790889 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2021.678541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Neural mechanisms, such as enhanced neuroplasticity within the motor system, underpin exercise-induced motor improvements. Being a key mediator of motor plasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is likely to play an important role in mediating exercise positive effects on motor function. Difficulties in assessing brain BDNF levels in humans have drawn attention to quantification of blood BDNF and raise the question of whether peripheral BDNF contributes to exercise-related motor improvements. Methodological and non-methodological factors influence measurements of blood BDNF introducing a substantial variability that complicates result interpretation and leads to inconsistencies among studies. Here, we discuss methodology-related issues and approaches emerging from current findings to reduce variability and increase result reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimee J. Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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12
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Nicolini C, Fahnestock M, Gibala MJ, Nelson AJ. Understanding the Neurophysiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity in Cortical and Descending Motor Pathways: Where Do We Stand? Neuroscience 2020; 457:259-282. [PMID: 33359477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is a promising, cost-effective intervention to augment successful aging and neurorehabilitation. Decline of gray and white matter accompanies physiological aging and contributes to motor deficits in older adults. Exercise is believed to reduce atrophy within the motor system and induce neuroplasticity which, in turn, helps preserve motor function during aging and promote re-learning of motor skills, for example after stroke. To fully exploit the benefits of exercise, it is crucial to gain a greater understanding of the neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced brain changes that prime neuroplasticity and thus contribute to postponing, slowing, and ameliorating age- and disease-related impairments in motor function. This knowledge will allow us to develop more effective, personalized exercise protocols that meet individual needs, thereby increasing the utility of exercise strategies in clinical and non-clinical settings. Here, we review findings from studies that investigated neurophysiological and molecular changes associated with acute or long-term exercise in healthy, young adults and in healthy, postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolini
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Martin J Gibala
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Aimee J Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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13
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Wanner P, Winterholler M, Gaßner H, Winkler J, Klucken J, Pfeifer K, Steib S. Acute exercise following skill practice promotes motor memory consolidation in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 178:107366. [PMID: 33358765 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Acute cardiovascular exercise has shown to promote neuroplastic processes supporting the consolidation of newly acquired motor skills in healthy adults. First results suggest that this concept may be transferred to populations with motor and cognitive dysfunctions. In this context, Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly relevant since patients demonstrate deficits in motor learning. Hence, in the present study we sought to explore the effect of a single post-practice exercise bout on motor memory consolidation in PD. For this purpose, 17 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr: 1 - 2.5, age: 60.1 ± 7.9 y) practiced a whole-body skill followed by either (i) a moderate-intense bout of cycling, or (ii) seated rest for a total of 30 min. The motor skill required the participants to balance on a tiltable platform (stabilometer) for 30 s. During skill practice, participants performed 15 trials followed by a retention test 1 day and 7 days later. We calculated time in balance (platform within ± 5° from horizontal) for each trial and within- and between-group differences in memory consolidation (i.e. offline learning = skill change from last acquisition block to retention tests) were analyzed. Groups revealed similar improvements during skill practice (F4,60 = 0.316, p = 0.866), but showed differences in offline learning, which were only evident after 7 days (F1,14 = 5.602, p = 0.033). Our results suggest that a single post-practice exercise bout is effective in enhancing long-term motor memory consolidation in a population with motor learning impairments. This may point at unique promoting effects of exercise on dopamine neurotransmission involved in memory formation. Future studies should investigate the potential role of exercise-induced effects on the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wanner
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | | | - Heiko Gaßner
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Klucken
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfeifer
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Simon Steib
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Human Movement, Training and Active Aging Department, Heidelberg University, Germany.
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14
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de Las Heras B, Rodrigues L, Cristini J, Weiss M, Prats-Puig A, Roig M. Does the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Modulate the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognition? Neuroscientist 2020; 28:69-86. [PMID: 33300425 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420975712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Val66Met is a polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that encodes a substitution of a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) amino acid. Carrying this polymorphism reduces the activity-dependent secretion of the BDNF protein, which can potentially affect brain plasticity and cognition. We reviewed the biology of Val66Met and surveyed 26 studies (11,417 participants) that examined the role of this polymorphism in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity (PA) and exercise. Nine observational studies confirmed a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to PA but differences between Val and Met carriers were inconsistent and only significant in some cognitive domains. Only five interventional studies found a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to exercise, which was also inconsistent in its direction. Two studies showed a superior cognitive response in Val carriers and three studies showed a better response in Met carriers. These results do not support a general and consistent effect of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to PA or exercise. Both Val and Met carriers can improve specific aspects of cognition by increasing PA and engaging in exercise. Causes for discrepancies among studies, effect moderators, and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernat de Las Heras
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynden Rodrigues
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacopo Cristini
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maxana Weiss
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna Prats-Puig
- University School of Health and Sport (EUSES), University of Girona, Girona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Marc Roig
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, Quebec, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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15
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Wanner P, Cheng FH, Steib S. Effects of acute cardiovascular exercise on motor memory encoding and consolidation: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:365-381. [PMID: 32565171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that acute bouts of cardiovascular exercise promote motor memory formation. In this preregistered meta-analysis (CRD42018106288) we synthesize data from 22 studies published until February 2020, including a total of 862 participants. We calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) to assess exercise effects on motor memory encoding and consolidation, respectively. The pooled data indicate that exercise mainly benefits the consolidation of memories, with exercise prior to motor practice improving early non-sleep consolidation (SMD, 0.58; 95 % CI, 0.30-0.86; p < 0.001), and post-practice exercise facilitating sleep-dependent consolidation (SMD, 0.62; 95 % CI, 0.34-0.90; p < 0.001). Strongest effects exist for high exercise intensities, and motor task nature appears to be another relevant modulator. We demonstrate that acute cardiovascular exercise particularly promotes the consolidation of acquired motor memories, and exercise timing, and intensity as well as motor task nature seem to critically modulate this relationship. These findings are discussed within currently proposed models of motor memory formation and considering molecular and systemic mechanisms of neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wanner
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fei-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Steib
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Division of Exercise and Health, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Human Movement Science, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/ 62, 80992 Munich, Germany.
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16
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Exercise Intensity Does not Modulate the Effect of Acute Exercise on Learning a Complex Whole-Body Task. Neuroscience 2020; 426:115-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Bonuzzi GMG, Alves ÉJM, Perotti Junior A. Effects of the aerobic exercise on the learning of a sports motor skill. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-6574202000011420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alaercio Perotti Junior
- Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Brasil; Faculdades Integradas Einstein de Limeira, Brasil
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