1
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Boecker H, Daamen M, Kunz L, Geiß M, Müller M, Neuss T, Henschel L, Stirnberg R, Upadhyay N, Scheef L, Martin JA, Stöcker T, Radbruch A, Attenberger U, Axmacher N, Maurer A. Hippocampal subfield plasticity is associated with improved spatial memory. Commun Biol 2024; 7:271. [PMID: 38443439 PMCID: PMC10914736 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05949-5] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise studies are generally underrepresented in young adulthood. Seventeen subjects were randomized into an intervention group (24.2 ± 3.9 years; 3 trainings/week) and 10 subjects into a passive control group (23.7 ± 4.2 years), over a duration of 6 months. Every two months, performance diagnostics, computerized spatial memory tests, and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging were conducted. Here we find that the intervention group, compared to controls, showed increased cardiorespiratory fitness, spatial memory performance and subregional hippocampal volumes over time. Time-by-condition interactions occurred in right cornu ammonis 4 body and (trend only) dentate gyrus, left hippocampal tail and left subiculum. Increases in spatial memory performance correlated with hippocampal body volume changes and, subregionally, with left subicular volume changes. In conclusion, findings support earlier reports of exercise-induced subregional hippocampal volume changes. Such exercise-related plasticity may not only be of interest for young adults with clinical disorders of hippocampal function, but also for sedentary normal cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Boecker
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marcel Daamen
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Kunz
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Geiß
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Moritz Müller
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Neuss
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Leonie Henschel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Stirnberg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Neeraj Upadhyay
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Scheef
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jason A Martin
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tony Stöcker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Radbruch
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Attenberger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolai Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Angelika Maurer
- Clinical Functional Imaging Lab, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Venusberg-Campus 1/99, 53127, Bonn, Germany
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2
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Rosario MA, Kern KL, Mumtaz S, Storer TW, Schon K. Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with cortical thickness of medial temporal brain areas associated with spatial cognition in young but not older adults. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:82-100. [PMID: 38056827 PMCID: PMC10979765 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiorespiratory fitness has a potent effect on neurocognitive health, especially regarding the hippocampal memory system. However, less is known about the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on medial temporal lobe extrahippocampal neocortical regions. Specifically, it is unclear how cardiorespiratory fitness modulates these brain regions in young adulthood and if these regions are differentially related to cardiorespiratory fitness in young versus older adults. The primary goal of this study was to investigate if cardiorespiratory fitness predicted medial temporal lobe cortical thickness which, with the hippocampus, are critical for spatial learning and memory. Additionally, given the established role of these cortices in spatial navigation, we sought to determine if cardiorespiratory fitness and medial temporal lobe cortical thickness would predict greater subjective sense of direction in both young and older adults. Cross-sectional data from 56 young adults (20-35 years) and 44 older adults (55-85 years) were included. FreeSurfer 6.0 was used to automatically segment participants' 3T T1-weighted images. Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we confirmed significant associations between greater cardiorespiratory fitness and greater left entorhinal, left parahippocampal, and left perirhinal cortical thickness in young, but not older, adults. Left parahippocampal cortical thickness interacted with age group to differentially predict subjective sense of direction in young and older adults. Young adults displayed a positive, and older adults a negative, correlation between left parahippocampal cortical thickness and sense of direction. Our findings extend previous work on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hippocampal subfield structure in young adults to left medial temporal lobe neocortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Rosario
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn L. Kern
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shiraz Mumtaz
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas W. Storer
- Men’s Health, Aging, and Metabolism Unit, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karin Schon
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Suwabe K, Kuwamizu R, Hyodo K, Yoshikawa T, Otsuki T, Zempo-Miyaki A, Yassa MA, Soya H. Improvement of mnemonic discrimination with acute light exercise is mediated by pupil-linked arousal in healthy older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 133:107-114. [PMID: 37939430 PMCID: PMC10843052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Physical exercise has positive impacts on hippocampal memory decline with aging. One of the postulated neurobiological mechanisms of the decline is reduced catecholaminergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the hippocampus. Recent human studies revealed that very light exercise rapidly enhances memory and pupil diameter, which suggests that light exercise may improve memory via neural circuits involved in the ascending arousal system, including the locus coeruleus, even in older adults. Thus, we aimed to clarify the effects of a single bout of light-intensity exercise (60% ventilatory threshold) on mnemonic discrimination performance, an index of hippocampal memory function, in healthy older adults using a randomized crossover design. Pupil diameter was measured during exercise as a physiological marker of the ascending arousal system. Discrimination of highly similar stimuli to the targets improved after exercise when compared to the resting control performance. Importantly, causal mediation analysis showed that pupil dilation during exercise mediated the memory improvement. These results suggest that brief light exercise rapidly enhances memory, possibly by upregulating the ascending arousal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Suwabe
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ibaraki, Japan; Sports Neuroscience Division, Department of Mind, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Ryuta Kuwamizu
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Hyodo
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Otsuki
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Asako Zempo-Miyaki
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michael A Yassa
- Sports Neuroscience Division, Department of Mind, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hideaki Soya
- Sports Neuroscience Division, Department of Mind, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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4
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Kim S, Adams JN, Chappel-Farley MG, Keator D, Janecek J, Taylor L, Mikhail A, Hollearn M, McMillan L, Rapp P, Yassa MA. Examining the diagnostic value of the mnemonic discrimination task for classification of cognitive status and amyloid-beta burden. Neuropsychologia 2023; 191:108727. [PMID: 37939874 PMCID: PMC10764118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, characterized by early memory impairments and gradual worsening of daily functions. AD-related pathology, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, begins to accumulate many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. Predicting risk for AD via related pathology is critical as the preclinical stage could serve as a therapeutic time window, allowing for early management of the disease and reducing health and economic costs. Current methods for detecting AD pathology, however, are often expensive and invasive, limiting wide and easy access to a clinical setting. A non-invasive, cost-efficient platform, such as computerized cognitive tests, could be potentially useful to identify at-risk individuals as early as possible. In this study, we examined the diagnostic value of an episodic memory task, the mnemonic discrimination task (MDT), for predicting risk of cognitive impairment or Aβ burden. We constructed a random forest classification algorithm, utilizing MDT performance metrics and various neuropsychological test scores as input features, and assessed model performance using area under the curve (AUC). Models based on MDT performance metrics achieved classification results with an AUC of 0.83 for cognitive status and an AUC of 0.64 for Aβ status. Our findings suggest that mnemonic discrimination function may be a useful predictor of progression to prodromal AD or increased risk of Aβ load, which could be a cost-efficient, noninvasive cognitive testing solution for potentially wide-scale assessment of AD pathological and cognitive risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyun Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Jenna N Adams
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Miranda G Chappel-Farley
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David Keator
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - John Janecek
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Taylor
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Abanoub Mikhail
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Martina Hollearn
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Liv McMillan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Paul Rapp
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Military & Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Yassa
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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5
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Ramirez Butavand D, Rodriguez MF, Cifuentes MV, Miranda M, Bauza CG, Bekinschtein P, Ballarini F. Acute and chronic physical activity improves spatial memory in an immersive virtual reality task. iScience 2023; 26:106176. [PMID: 36876135 PMCID: PMC9976459 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity benefits both fitness and cognition. However, its effect on long-term memory is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of acute and chronic exercise on long-term spatial memory for a new virtual reality task. Participants were immersed in the virtual environment and navigated a wide arena that included target objects. We assessed spatial memory in two conditions (encoded targets separated by a short or long distance) and found that 25 min of cycling after encoding - but not before retrieval - was sufficient to improve the long-term memory retention for the short, but not for the long distance. Furthermore, we found that participants who engaged in regular physical activity showed memory for the short-distance condition whereas controls did not. Thus, physical activity could be a simple way to improve spatial memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ramirez Butavand
- Instituto De Neurociencia Cognitiva y Traslacional (INCyT), CONICET- Fundación INECO, Universidad Favaloro, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Neurociencia Traslacional, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Dr. Eduardo De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Rodriguez
- CONICET, PLADEMA, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Cifuentes
- CIC, PLADEMA, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Miranda
- Instituto De Neurociencia Cognitiva y Traslacional (INCyT), CONICET- Fundación INECO, Universidad Favaloro, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristian García Bauza
- CONICET, PLADEMA, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Bekinschtein
- Instituto De Neurociencia Cognitiva y Traslacional (INCyT), CONICET- Fundación INECO, Universidad Favaloro, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabricio Ballarini
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Traslacional, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Dr. Eduardo De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, ITBA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Kuhne LA, Ksiezarczyk AM, Braumann KM, Reer R, Jacobs T, Röder B, Hötting K. Cardiovascular exercise, learning, memory, and cytokines: Results of a ten-week randomized controlled training study in young adults. Biol Psychol 2023; 176:108466. [PMID: 36455805 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Physical exercise has been shown to enhance memory and to increase neuroplasticity. Rodent studies have revealed modulating effects of signaling molecules of the immune system (cytokines) on hippocampal plasticity and memory. Acute and chronic exercise have been both found to alter the number and function of immune cells. Thus, physical exercise might enhance neuroplasticity via an altered immune response. In this study we tested whether multiple repetitions of a vocabulary learning task combined with a bout of cardiovascular exercise enhances learning in humans and whether memory improvements correlated with acute exercise-induced cytokine changes. Data of 52 participants (20-40 years of age) who were randomly assigned to a cardiovascular exercise group (cycling) or a control group (stretching) were analyzed. During the 10-week treatment, participants completed 18 learning-exercise sessions. In each of these sessions, the vocabulary learning task was always performed immediately before exercising started. To assess acute exercise-induced changes in cytokine levels, blood sampling was performed at rest and immediately after exercising in two of the sessions. Learning success measured as increase in learning across all sessions and vocabulary retention four weeks after the treatment had ended did not differ between groups. The cycling group showed a relatively larger acute increase in IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-4, and IFN-γ compared to the stretching group. Exploratory analyses revealed significant positive associations between within-session learning and acute exercise-induced increases in IL-6 and IL-1ra in the cycling group only. These results suggest that the immune system may act as a mediator of exercise-induced cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Kuhne
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | | - Rüdiger Reer
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Röder
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kirsten Hötting
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
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Basso JC, Oberlin DJ, Satyal MK, O’Brien CE, Crosta C, Psaras Z, Metpally A, Suzuki WA. Examining the Effect of Increased Aerobic Exercise in Moderately Fit Adults on Psychological State and Cognitive Function. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:833149. [PMID: 35903787 PMCID: PMC9317941 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.833149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular physical exercise can decrease the risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, increase life expectancy, and promote psychological health and neurocognitive functioning. Cross-sectional studies show that cardiorespiratory fitness level (VO2 max) is associated with enhanced brain health, including improved mood state and heightened cognitive performance. Interventional studies are consistent with these cross-sectional studies, but most have focused on low-fit populations. Few such studies have asked if increasing levels of physical activity in moderately fit people can significantly enhance mood, motivation, and cognition. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of increasing aerobic exercise in moderately fit individuals on psychological state and cognitive performance. We randomly assigned moderately fit healthy adults, 25-59 years of age, who were engaged in one or two aerobic exercise sessions per week to either maintain their exercise regimen (n = 41) or increase their exercise regimen (i.e., 4-7 aerobic workouts per week; n = 39) for a duration of 3 months. Both before and after the intervention, we assessed aerobic capacity using a modified cardiorespiratory fitness test, and hippocampal functioning via various neuropsychological assessments including a spatial navigation task and the Mnemonic Similarity Task as well as self-reported measures including the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Rumination Scale, Eating Disorders Examination, Eating Attitudes Test, Body Attitudes Test, and Behavioral Regulation of Exercise Questionnaire. Consistent with our initial working hypotheses, we found that increasing exercise significantly decreased measures of negative affect, including fear, sadness, guilt, and hostility, as well as improved body image. Further, we found that the total number of workouts was significantly associated with improved spatial navigation abilities and body image as well as reduced anxiety, general negative affect, fear, sadness, hostility, rumination, and disordered eating. In addition, increases in fitness levels were significantly associated with improved episodic memory and exercise motivation as well as decreased stress and disordered eating. Our findings are some of the first to indicate that in middle-aged moderately-fit adults, continuing to increase exercise levels in an already ongoing fitness regimen is associated with additional benefits for both psychological and cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Basso
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, VA, United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, VA, United States
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Douglas J. Oberlin
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Medha K. Satyal
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, VA, United States
| | | | - Christen Crosta
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zach Psaras
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anvitha Metpally
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, VA, United States
| | - Wendy A. Suzuki
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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8
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Li Q, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Zuo C, Bo S. A Shorter-Bout of HIIT Is More Effective to Promote Serum BDNF and VEGF-A Levels and Improve Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Men. Front Physiol 2022; 13:898603. [PMID: 35846013 PMCID: PMC9277476 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.898603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of single bouts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with different duration on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels and cognitive function in healthy young men. Methods: Twelve healthy young men were participated in two HIIT treatments (20 min HIIT and 30 min HIIT) in a random order. BDNF, VEGF-A, cortisol, testosterone, blood lactic acid were measured and cognitive function was assessed by Stroop test (CWST) and Digital Span test (DST) before, immediately after, and 30 min after HIIT. Results: 20 and 30 min HIIT increased BLa (both p < 0.01), cortisol (20 min HIIT: p < 0.05; 30 min HIIT: p < 0.01), and testosterone (both p < 0.05) levels immediately when compared with their baselines. While BLa and cortisol were significantly higher in 30 min HIIT group than in 20 min HIIT group. Moreover, BDNF concentration (p < 0.01), DST-F (p < 0.01) and DST-B (p < 0.05) were increased and response time of Stroop was decreased immediately after HIIT only in 20 min HIIT group. VEGF-A concentration was increased immediately after HIIT in both groups (p < 0.01), but after 30 min recovery, it was returned to the baseline in the 20 min HIIT group and was lower than the baseline in 30 min HIIT group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Twenty minutes HIIT is more effective than 30 minutes HIIT for promoting serum levels of BDNF and VEGF-A as well as cognitive function in healthy young men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengguo Zhang
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Chongwen Zuo
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Shumin Bo
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shumin Bo,
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Sousa CV, Hwang J, Cabrera-Perez R, Fernandez A, Misawa A, Newhook K, Lu AS. Active video games in fully immersive virtual reality elicit moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and improve cognitive performance in sedentary college students. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 11:164-171. [PMID: 34004390 PMCID: PMC9068577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active video games are a new method for increasing physical activity (PA). Fully immersive virtual reality (VR) is a hardware device on which an active video game can run. Active (video games in) VR (AVR), might increase immersion, game engagement, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), thereby yielding greater exercise-related benefits, e.g., cognitive performance. METHODS We examined the induction of MVPA via an AVR and a sedentary VR (SVR) as well as the effects of VR play on cognitive performance, which was monitored using 2 different methods. Each of 29 sedentary college students attended three 20-min laboratory sessions (AVR, SVR, or control) in a randomized order; during the control session, they sat quietly doing nothing. A fully immersive headset was used for the 2 video game sessions. We monitored and computed participants' PA using hip-worn accelerometers (wGT3x-bt; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) and a heart rate band (Polar H7; Polar, Kempele, Finland). After each session, the participants completed a mnemonic similarity test (MST) to measure recognition memory. They also filled out a motion sickness questionnaire and an abbreviated game experience questionnaire. RESULTS The AVR session induced a significantly greater heart rate and more time spent in MVPA than did either of the other 2 sessions regardless of the PA monitoring method. AVR elicited greater game experience questionnaire-assessed sensory and imaginative immersion, challenge, and positive affect than did SVR. The mnemonic similarity test recognition score was marginally higher post-AVR session than it was post-SVR session. CONCLUSION AVR elicited MVPA without a significant increase in motion sickness and induced a better game experience and better borderline cognitive performance than did SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Victor Sousa
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jungyun Hwang
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Romina Cabrera-Perez
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Austin Fernandez
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aika Misawa
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kelsey Newhook
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy Shirong Lu
- Health Technology Lab, College of Arts, Media and Design, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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10
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Jennen L, Mazereel V, Lecei A, Samaey C, Vancampfort D, van Winkel R. Exercise to spot the differences: a framework for the effect of exercise on hippocampal pattern separation in humans. Rev Neurosci 2022; 33:555-582. [PMID: 35172422 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exercise has a beneficial effect on mental health and cognitive functioning, but the exact underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this review, we focus on the effect of exercise on hippocampal pattern separation, which is a key component of episodic memory. Research has associated exercise with improvements in pattern separation. We propose an integrated framework mechanistically explaining this relationship. The framework is divided into three pathways, describing the pro-neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory and hormonal effects of exercise. The pathways are heavily intertwined and may result in functional and structural changes in the hippocampus. These changes can ultimately affect pattern separation through direct and indirect connections. The proposed framework might guide future research on the effect of exercise on pattern separation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Jennen
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, ON V Herestraat 49, bus 1029, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victor Mazereel
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, ON V Herestraat 49, bus 1029, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Leuven-Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Lecei
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, ON V Herestraat 49, bus 1029, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Samaey
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, ON V Herestraat 49, bus 1029, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Davy Vancampfort
- University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Leuven-Kortenberg, Belgium.,KU Leuven Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, ON IV Herestraat 49, bus 1510, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, ON V Herestraat 49, bus 1029, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Leuven-Kortenberg, Belgium
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11
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Wong-Goodrich SJE, Kearley J. Strenuous Exercise Habits and Spatial Mnemonic Discrimination Ability in Young Adult Men and Women. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:2346-2366. [PMID: 34365862 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211038732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Increased physical activity has shown positive effects on various hippocampal memory functions through accumulating evidence that physical exercise and higher cardiorespiratory fitness can enhance human performance on nonspatial mnemonic discrimination tasks that rely on hippocampal pattern separation. However, there is less direct evidence of exercise effects on spatial pattern separation in humans, despite evidence for this association in rodent models. We examined the influence of strenuous exercise habits on spatial mnemonic discrimination among 176 young adults. We used a delayed match-/non-match-to-sample (same/different) task to assess pattern separation for spatial locations across varying degrees of similarity. Participants who reported regularly engaging in strenuous exercise three or more times per week performed significantly better than those who reported engaging in strenuous exercise fewer than three times per week, even when pattern separation tasks involved higher spatial similarity. These apparent exercise effects were observed for female, but not male, participants. These findings support likely benefits of strenuous exercise habits for human spatial pattern separation skills, and they suggest a need to explore potential interaction effects of exercise and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Kearley
- Department of Psychology, Iona College, New Rochelle, New York, United States
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12
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Crawford LK, Caplan JB, Loprinzi PD. The Impact of Acute Exercise Timing on Memory Interference. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:1215-1234. [PMID: 33573522 DOI: 10.1177/0031512521993706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated whether the timing of acute exercise can attenuate a memory interference effect. Across two experiments, participants completed an AB/AC memory task. Participants studied eight word pairs; four denoted AB (e.g., Hero - Apple) and four control (DE) pairs. Following this List 1, participants studied eight additional word pairs (List 2); four denoted AC, re-using words from the AB pairs (e.g., Hero - Project) and four control (FG) pairs. Following their study of both lists, participants completed a cued recall assessment. In Experiment 1 (N = 100), an acute exercise bout occurred before the AB/AC memory interference task, and the participants' three lab visits (successive conditions) were control, moderate-intensity (50% HRR; heart rate reserve) exercise, and vigorous-intensity (80% HRR) exercise. In Experiment 2 (N = 68), the acute exercise occurred between List 1 and List 2, and the participants' two lab visits (successive conditions) were a (80% HRR) vigorous-intensity exercise visit and a control visit. Across both experiments, we observed evidence of both proactive and retroactive interference (p < .05), but acute exercise, regardless of intensity, did not attenuate this interference (p > .05). Acute moderate-intensity exercise was better than control or vigorous-intensity exercise in enhancing associative memory (p < .05), independent of interference. In Experiment 2, vigorous intensity exercise was associated with more pronounced interference (p < .05). Our results suggest that acute exercise can enhance associative memory performance, with no attenuation of interference by exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay K Crawford
- Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, United States
| | - Jeremy B Caplan
- Department of Psychology; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul D Loprinzi
- Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, United States
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13
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Kern KL, Storer TW, Schon K. Cardiorespiratory fitness, hippocampal subfield volumes, and mnemonic discrimination task performance in aging. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:871-892. [PMID: 33325614 PMCID: PMC7856657 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging and exercise have opposing effects on mnemonic discrimination task performance, which putatively taxes pattern separation mechanisms reliant on the dentate gyrus (DG) subfield of the hippocampus. In young adults, increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been shown to improve mnemonic discrimination task performance and increase left anterior DG/CA3 volume. It is unknown how these variables interact in cognitive aging, yet this knowledge is critical, given the established effects of aging on hippocampal plasticity. To investigate these relationships, 65 older adults (aged 55–85 years) completed a submaximal treadmill test to estimate CRF, a mnemonic discrimination task, and a high‐resolution MRI scan to determine hippocampal subfield volumes. Our older adult sample demonstrated the lowest task accuracy in the condition with the greatest stimuli similarity and left DG/CA3 body volume significantly predicted accuracy in this condition. Our results did not provide support for relationships between CRF and task accuracy or CRF and DG/CA3 volume as evidenced in studies of young adults. Instead, CRF predicted bilateral subiculum volume in older adult women, not men. Altogether, these findings provide further support for a role of the DG in behavioral pattern separation in humans and suggest that CRF may have differential effects on hippocampal subfield integrity in older adult men and women. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: (a) Neuroimaging Study of Exercise and Memory Function, NCT02057354; (b) The Entorhinal Cortex and Aerobic Exercise in Aging, NCT02775760; (c) Physical Activity and Cognition Study, NCT02773121.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Kern
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas W Storer
- Men's Health, Aging, and Metabolism Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karin Schon
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Voss MW, Weng TB, Narayana-Kumanan K, Cole RC, Wharff C, Reist L, Dubose L, Sigurdsson G, Mills JA, Long JD, Magnotta VA, Pierce GL. Acute Exercise Effects Predict Training Change in Cognition and Connectivity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:131-140. [PMID: 31385912 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies report memory and functional connectivity of memory systems improve acutely after a single aerobic exercise session or with training, suggesting that the acute effects of aerobic exercise may reflect initial changes that adapt over time. In this trial, for the first time, we test the proof-of-concept of whether the acute and training effects of aerobic exercise on working memory and brain network connectivity are related in the same participants. METHODS Cognitively normal older participants (N = 34) were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial (NCT02453178). Participants completed fMRI resting state and a face working memory N-back task acutely after light- and moderate-intensity exercises and after a 12-wk aerobic training intervention. RESULTS Functional connectivity did not change more after moderate-intensity training compared with light-intensity training. However, both training groups showed similar changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (maximal exercise oxygen uptake, V˙O2peak), limiting group-level comparisons. Acute effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on connections primarily in the default network predicted training enhancements in the same connections. Working memory also improved acutely, especially after moderate-intensity, and greater acute improvements predicted greater working memory improvement with training. Exercise effects on functional connectivity of right lateralized frontoparietal connections were related to both acute and training gains in working memory. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept of acute aerobic exercise effects on functional brain systems and performance as an activity-evoked biomarker for exercise training benefits in the same outcomes. These findings may lead to new insights and methods for improving memory outcomes with aerobic exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle W Voss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Timothy B Weng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - Rachel C Cole
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Conner Wharff
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Lauren Reist
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Lyndsey Dubose
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - James A Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | | | - Gary L Pierce
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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15
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Effects of exercise on proactive interference in memory: potential neuroplasticity and neurochemical mechanisms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1917-1929. [PMID: 32488351 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Proactive interference occurs when consolidated memory traces inhibit new learning. This kind of interference decreases the efficiency of new learning and also causes memory errors. Exercise has been shown to facilitate some types of cognitive function; however, whether exercise reduces proactive interference to enhance learning efficiency is not well understood. Thus, this review discusses the effects of exercise on proactive memory interference and explores potential mechanisms, such as neurogenesis and neurochemical changes, mediating any effect.
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16
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The Effect of Vitamin D 3 Supplementation on Physical Capacity among Active College-Aged Males. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071936. [PMID: 32629757 PMCID: PMC7400321 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D3 supplementation can affect strength and power; however, the effect on both aerobic and anaerobic performance remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of eight weeks of a high dose of vitamin D3 supplementation and its impact on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D3) concentrations and selected indicators of physical capacity. Subjects (n = 28, age 21.1 ± 1.6) were divided into two groups: supplemented (SUP), which was given 6000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for eight weeks; and placebo group (PLA). Serum 25-OH-D3 concentrations were determined in pre- and post-intervention. Aerobic (V.O2max test) and anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test) capacity were determined before and after the supplementation. The mean baseline concentration of 25-OH-D3 was recognized as deficient (20 ng/mL) and significantly increased over time in the supplemented group (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.86), whilst it remained unchanged in the placebo group. Moreover, the supplementation caused a significant improvement in maximal aerobic (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.27) and anaerobic power (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.51) whereas no changes were observed in PLA group. The V.O2max differences were also significant in the supplemented group (p < 0.05). In summary, the changes in aerobic and anaerobic capacity observed in this study were associated with a serum concentration of 25-OH-D3. Our data imply that vitamin D3 supplementation with a dose of 6000 IU daily for eight weeks is sufficient to improve physical capacity and vitamin D3 status.
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17
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Nauer RK, Schon K, Stern CE. Cardiorespiratory fitness and mnemonic discrimination across the adult lifespan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:91-103. [PMID: 32071255 PMCID: PMC7029721 DOI: 10.1101/lm.049197.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
With a rising aging population, it is important to develop behavioral tasks that assess and track cognitive decline, and to identify protective factors that promote healthy brain aging. Mnemonic discrimination tasks that rely on pattern separation mechanisms are a promising metric to detect subtle age-related memory impairments. Behavioral performance on these tasks rely on the integrity of the hippocampus and surrounding circuitry, which are brain regions known to be adversely affected in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Aerobic exercise, which improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), has been shown to counteract aging-related decreases in structural and functional brain integrity and attenuate decline of cognitive performance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that higher CRF attenuates age-related deficits in mnemonic discrimination in both a nonspatial mnemonic discrimination (Mnemonic Similarity Task) and a virtual navigation task (Route Disambiguation Task). Importantly, we included individuals across the lifespan (aged 18–83 yr), including the middle-age range, to determine mnemonic discrimination performance across adulthood. Participants completed two mnemonic discrimination tasks and a treadmill test to assess CRF. Our results demonstrate robust negative age-related effects on mnemonic discrimination performance across both the nonspatial and spatial domains. Critically, higher CRF mitigated age-related attenuation in spatial contextual discrimination task performance, but did not show an attenuation effect on performance for object-based mnemonic discrimination. These results suggest that performance on spatial mnemonic discrimination may be a useful tool to track vulnerability in older individuals at risk for cognitive decline, and that higher CRF may lead to cognitive preservation across the adult lifespan, particularly for spatial disambiguation of similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Nauer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Karin Schon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Chantal E Stern
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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18
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Kujach S, Olek RA, Byun K, Suwabe K, Sitek EJ, Ziemann E, Laskowski R, Soya H. Acute Sprint Interval Exercise Increases Both Cognitive Functions and Peripheral Neurotrophic Factors in Humans: The Possible Involvement of Lactate. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1455. [PMID: 32038149 PMCID: PMC6989590 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing attention to sprint interval exercise (SIE) training as a time-efficient exercise regime. Recent studies, including our own (Kujach et al., 2018), have shown that acute high-intensity intermittent exercise can improve cognitive function; however, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effect still remain unknown. We thus examined the effects of acute SIE on cognitive function by monitoring the peripheral levels of growth and neurotrophic factors as well as blood lactate (LA) as potential mechanisms. Thirty-six young males participated in the current study and were divided into two groups: SIE (n = 20; mean age: 21.0 ± 0.9 years) and resting control (CTR) (n = 16; mean age: 21.7 ± 1.3 years). The SIE session consisted of 5 min of warm-up exercise and six sets of 30 s of all-out cycling exercise followed by 4.5 min of rest on a cycling-ergometer. Blood samples to evaluate the changes of serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and blood LA were obtained at three time points: before, immediately after, and 60 min after each session. A Stroop task (ST) and trail making test (TMT) parts A and B were used to assess cognitive functions. Acute SIE shortened response times for both the ST and TMT A and B. Meanwhile, the peripheral levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF were significantly increased after an acute bout of SIE compared to those in CTR. In response to acute SIE, blood LA levels significantly increased and correlated with increased levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF. Furthermore, cognitive function and BDNF are found to be correlated. The current results suggest that SIE could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions with increased neuroprotective factors along with peripheral LA concentration in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwester Kujach
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland.,Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Robert Antoni Olek
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kyeongho Byun
- Sports Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Kazuya Suwabe
- Sports Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Emilia J Sitek
- Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Neurology Department, St. Adalbert's Hospital, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Ziemann
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Radosław Laskowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hideaki Soya
- Sports Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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19
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Abstract
People often recognize and remember faces of individuals within their own race more easily than those of other races. While behavioral research has long suggested that the Other-Race Effect (ORE) is due to extensive experience with one’s own race group, the neural mechanisms underlying the effect have remained elusive. Predominant theories of the ORE have argued that the effect is mainly caused by processing disparities between same and other-race faces during early stages of perceptual encoding. Our findings support an alternative view that the ORE is additionally shaped by mnemonic processing mechanisms beyond perception and attention. Using a “pattern separation” paradigm based on computational models of episodic memory, we report evidence that the ORE may be driven by differences in successful memory discrimination across races as a function of degree of interference or overlap between face stimuli. In contrast, there were no ORE-related differences on a comparable match-to-sample task with no long-term memory load, suggesting that the effect is not simply attributable to visual and attentional processes. These findings suggest that the ORE may emerge in part due to “tuned” memory mechanisms that may enhance same-race, at the expense of other-race face detection.
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20
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Herold F, Müller P, Gronwald T, Müller NG. Dose-Response Matters! - A Perspective on the Exercise Prescription in Exercise-Cognition Research. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2338. [PMID: 31736815 PMCID: PMC6839278 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In general, it is well recognized that both acute physical exercises and regular physical training influence brain plasticity and cognitive functions positively. However, growing evidence shows that the same physical exercises induce very heterogeneous outcomes across individuals. In an attempt to better understand this interindividual heterogeneity in response to acute and regular physical exercising, most research, so far, has focused on non-modifiable factors such as sex and different genotypes, while relatively little attention has been paid to exercise prescription as a modifiable factor. With an adapted exercise prescription, dosage can be made comparable across individuals, a procedure that is necessary to better understand the dose-response relationship in exercise-cognition research. This improved understanding of dose-response relationships could help to design more efficient physical training approaches against, for instance, cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Herold
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gronwald
- Department Performance, Neuroscience, Therapy and Health, Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Notger G. Müller
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
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21
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Kronman CA, Kern KL, Nauer RK, Dunne MF, Storer TW, Schon K. Cardiorespiratory fitness predicts effective connectivity between the hippocampus and default mode network nodes in young adults. Hippocampus 2019; 30:526-541. [PMID: 31647603 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Rodent and human studies examining the relationship between aerobic exercise, brain structure, and brain function indicate that the hippocampus (HC), a brain region critical for episodic memory, demonstrates striking plasticity in response to exercise. Beyond the hippocampal memory system, human studies also indicate that aerobic exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with individual differences in large-scale brain networks responsible for broad cognitive domains. Examining network activity in large-scale resting-state brain networks may provide a link connecting the observed relationships between aerobic exercise, hippocampal plasticity, and cognitive enhancement within broad cognitive domains. Previously, CRF has been associated with increased functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically in older adults. However, how CRF relates to the magnitude and directionality of connectivity, or effective connectivity, between the HC and other DMN nodes remains unknown. We used resting-state fMRI and conditional Granger causality analysis (CGCA) to test the hypothesis that CRF positively predicts effective connectivity between the HC and other DMN nodes in healthy young adults. Twenty-six participants (ages 18-35 years) underwent a treadmill test to determine CRF by estimating its primary determinant, maximal oxygen uptake (V. O2max ), and a 10-min resting-state fMRI scan to examine DMN effective connectivity. We identified the DMN using group independent component analysis and examined effective connectivity between nodes using CGCA. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that CRF significantly predicts causal influence from the HC to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and lateral temporal cortex and to the HC from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The observed relationship between CRF and hippocampal effective connectivity provides a link between the rodent literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and hippocampal plasticity, and the human literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and CRF and the enhancement of broad cognitive domains including, but not limited to, memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Kronman
- Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn L Kern
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel K Nauer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew F Dunne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas W Storer
- Men's Health, Aging, and Metabolism Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karin Schon
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Nauer RK, Dunne MF, Stern CE, Storer TW, Schon K. Improving fitness increases dentate gyrus/CA3 volume in the hippocampal head and enhances memory in young adults. Hippocampus 2019; 30:488-504. [PMID: 31588607 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence suggests a relationship between aerobic exercise and hippocampal neuroplasticity that interactively impacts hippocampally dependent memory. The majority of human studies have focused on the potential for exercise to reduce brain atrophy and attenuate cognitive decline in older adults, whereas animal studies often center on exercise-induced neurogenesis and hippocampal plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of young adult animals. In the present study, initially sedentary young adults (18-35 years) participated in a moderate-intensity randomized controlled exercise intervention trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02057354) for a duration of 12 weeks. The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between change in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as determined by estimated V ˙ O 2 MAX , hippocampally dependent mnemonic discrimination, and change in hippocampal subfield volume. Results show that improving CRF after exercise training is associated with an increased volume in the left DG/CA3 subregion in young adults. Consistent with previous studies that found exercise-induced increases in anterior hippocampus in older adults, this result was specific to the hippocampal head, or most anterior portion, of the subregion. Our results also demonstrate a positive relationship between change in CRF and change in corrected accuracy for trials requiring the highest level of discrimination on a putative behavioral pattern separation task. This relationship was observed in individuals who were initially lower-fit, suggesting that individuals who show greater improvement in their CRF may receive greater cognitive benefit. This work extends animal models by providing evidence for exercise-induced neuroplasticity specific to the neurogenic zone of the human hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Nauer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew F Dunne
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chantal E Stern
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas W Storer
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karin Schon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Memory and Brain, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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23
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Stark SM, Kirwan CB, Stark CEL. Mnemonic Similarity Task: A Tool for Assessing Hippocampal Integrity. Trends Cogn Sci 2019; 23:938-951. [PMID: 31597601 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is critical for learning and memory, relying in part on pattern separation processes supported by the dentate gyrus (DG) to prevent interference from overlapping memory representations. In 2007, we designed the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST), a modified object recognition memory task, to be highly sensitive to hippocampal function by placing strong demands on pattern separation. The MST is now a widely used behavioral task, repeatedly shown to be sensitive to age-related memory decline, hippocampal connectivity, and hippocampal function, with specificity to the DG. Here, we review the utility of the MST, its relationship to hippocampal function, its utility in detecting hippocampal-based memory alterations across the lifespan, and impairments associated with clinical pathology from a variety of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - C Brock Kirwan
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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24
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Takehara K, Ganchimeg T, Kikuchi A, Gundegmaa L, Altantsetseg L, Aoki A, Fukuie T, Suwabe K, Bat-Erdene S, Mikami M, Mori R, Soya H. The effectiveness of exercise intervention for academic achievement, cognitive function, and physical health among children in Mongolia: a cluster RCT study protocol. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:697. [PMID: 31170967 PMCID: PMC6555710 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have demonstrated positive effects of physical activity on children’s health such as improved cardiorespiratory function and decreased obesity. Physical activity has also been found to have positive effects on academic achievement and cognitive function. However, there are few high quality RCT studies on this topic at present and the findings remain controversial. Methods This protocol describes cluster randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of school-based exercise intervention among children in Mongolia. The intervention consists of 3-min sessions of high intensity interval training combined with music implemented two times a week at school during study periods. The participants are children in the fourth grade in public elementary schools in the Sukhbaatar district in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The participants are cluster randomized by school and allocated either to the intervention or control group. The primary outcome is academic achievement. Secondary outcomes are obesity/overweight, physical fitness function, lifestyle, mental health, and cognitive function. Discussion This cluster-RCT is designed and implemented to assess the effectiveness of exercise intervention on academic achievement, cognitive function, and physical and mental health among school-age children in Mongolia. This study will provide evidence to promote physical activities among children in low- and middle- income countries. Trial registration UMIN: UMIN000031062. Registered on 1st February 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Takehara
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Togoobaatar Ganchimeg
- Global Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Akihito Kikuchi
- Division of Sport Neuroscience, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performacnce (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Lkagvasuren Gundegmaa
- Mongolian National Institute of Physical Education, P.O.Box-224, Ikh Toiruu-49, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Lkagvasuren Altantsetseg
- Mongolian National Institute of Physical Education, P.O.Box-224, Ikh Toiruu-49, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Ai Aoki
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takemune Fukuie
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuya Suwabe
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan.,Division of Sport Neuroscience, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performacnce (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shagdar Bat-Erdene
- Mongolian National Institute of Physical Education, P.O.Box-224, Ikh Toiruu-49, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Masashi Mikami
- Division of Biostatistics, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Rintaro Mori
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Soya
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan.,Division of Sport Neuroscience, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performacnce (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8574, Ibaraki, Japan
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25
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Bernstein EE, McNally RJ. Examining the Effects of Exercise on Pattern Separation and the Moderating Effects of Mood Symptoms. Behav Ther 2019; 50:582-593. [PMID: 31030875 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic exercise has broad cognitive benefits. One target of interest is enhanced memory. The present study explored pattern separation as a specific memory process that could be sensitive to acute and regular exercise and clinically significant for disorders (e.g., depression) characterized by cognitive-affective deficits and hippocampal impairment. In a within-subjects design, participants (N = 69) attended two visits during which they repeated a behavioral pattern separation task at rest and after an activity (cycling, stretching). Regular exercise habits, demographics, mood and anxiety symptoms, and recognition memory capacity were also measured. More regular exercise predicted better resting pattern separation, t(62) = 2.13, b = 1.74, p = .037. Age moderated this effect, t(61) = 2.35, b = .25, p = .02; exercise most strongly predicted performance among middle-age participants. There was no main effect of activity condition on post-activity performance, t(61) = .67, p = .51. However, with significant heterogeneity in reported mood symptoms and regular exercise habits, there was a three-way interaction between condition, regular exercise, and depression, t(55) = 2.08, b = .22, p = .04. Relative to stretching, cycling appears to have enhanced the benefit of regular exercise for pattern separation performance; however, this was evident among participants with mild to no symptoms of depression, but absent among participants with moderate to severe symptoms. Results have implications for how exercise might protect against declines in pattern separation. Future research should explore exercise's potential as a prevention tool or early intervention for pattern separation and related clinical outcomes.
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26
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Lee MC, Byun K, Kim JS, Lee H, Kim K. Trends in exercise neuroscience: raising demand for brain fitness. J Exerc Rehabil 2019; 15:176-179. [PMID: 31110997 PMCID: PMC6509468 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1938046.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is increasingly recognized as an important component in the neuroscience related field. What is the targeting of exercise and what accounts for the exercise's benefits observed in neuroscience? Several types of exercise have been studied in various fields across physiological, psychological, and biochemical experiments of neuroscience. However, more clarity is needed to unveil optimal exercise conditions such as frequency, intensity, type, and time. In this review, we briefly highlight the positive effects of exercise on promoting brain function. Key areas relate to exercise neuroscience are as follow: structural level with synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, functional level with behavioral development, and molecular level with possible mechanisms that involved in exercise-induced brain plasticity. Overall, we provide the importance of understanding the exercise neuroscience and highlight suggestions for future health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chul Lee
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Science, CHA University, Pocheon, Korea
| | - Kyeongho Byun
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ji-Seok Kim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hojun Lee
- School of Sports & Health Science, College of Arts, Kyungsung University, Busan, Korea
| | - Kijeong Kim
- School of Exercise & Sport Science, College of Natural Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Korea
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27
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Voss MW, Soto C, Yoo S, Sodoma M, Vivar C, van Praag H. Exercise and Hippocampal Memory Systems. Trends Cogn Sci 2019; 23:318-333. [PMID: 30777641 PMCID: PMC6422697 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
No medications prevent or reverse age-related cognitive decline. Physical activity (PA) enhances memory in rodents, but findings are mixed in human studies. As a result, exercise guidelines specific for brain health are absent. Here, we re-examine results from human studies, and suggest the use of more sensitive tasks to evaluate PA effects on age-related changes in the hippocampus, such as relational memory and mnemonic discrimination. We discuss recent advances from rodent and human studies into the underlying mechanisms at both the central and peripheral levels, including neurotrophins and myokines that could contribute to improved memory. Finally, we suggest guidelines for future research to help expedite well-founded PA recommendations for the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle W Voss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Carmen Soto
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Seungwoo Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew Sodoma
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Carmen Vivar
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Henriette van Praag
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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28
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Llorens-Martín M. Exercising New Neurons to Vanquish Alzheimer Disease. Brain Plast 2018; 4:111-126. [PMID: 30564550 PMCID: PMC6296267 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-180065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in individuals over 65 years of age. The neuropathological hallmarks of the condition are Tau neurofibrillary tangles and Amyloid-β senile plaques. Moreover, certain susceptible regions of the brain experience a generalized lack of neural plasticity and marked synaptic alterations during the progression of this as yet incurable disease. One of these regions, the hippocampus, is characterized by the continuous addition of new neurons throughout life. This phenomenon, named adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), provides a potentially endless source of new synaptic elements that increase the complexity and plasticity of the hippocampal circuitry. Numerous lines of evidence show that physical activity and environmental enrichment (EE) are among the most potent positive regulators of AHN. Given that neural plasticity is markedly decreased in many neurodegenerative diseases, the therapeutic potential of making certain lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, is being recognised in several non-pharmacologic strategies seeking to slow down or prevent the progression of these diseases. This review article summarizes current evidence supporting the putative therapeutic potential of EE and physical exercise to increase AHN and hippocampal plasticity both under physiological and pathological circumstances, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Llorens-Martín
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa”, CBMSO, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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29
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Lin TW, Tsai SF, Kuo YM. Physical Exercise Enhances Neuroplasticity and Delays Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Plast 2018; 4:95-110. [PMID: 30564549 PMCID: PMC6296269 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-180073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that exercise can improve learning and memory as well as attenuate neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to improving neuroplasticity by altering the synaptic structure and function in various brain regions, exercise also modulates systems like angiogenesis and glial activation that are known to support neuroplasticity. Moreover, exercise helps to maintain a cerebral microenvironment that facilitates synaptic plasticity by enhancing the clearance of Aβ, one of the main culprits of AD pathogenesis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the positive impacts of exercise on promoting neuroplasticity. Possible mechanisms involved in exercise-modulated neuroplasticity are also discussed. Undoubtedly, more studies are needed to design an optimal personalized exercise protocol for enhancing brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Wei Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheng-Feng Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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30
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Rapid stimulation of human dentate gyrus function with acute mild exercise. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:10487-10492. [PMID: 30249651 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1805668115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise has beneficial effects on neurocognitive function, including hippocampus-dependent episodic memory. Exercise intensity level can be assessed according to whether it induces a stress response; the most effective exercise for improving hippocampal function remains unclear. Our prior work using a special treadmill running model in animals has shown that stress-free mild exercise increases hippocampal neuronal activity and promotes adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, improving spatial memory performance. However, the rapid modification, from mild exercise, on hippocampal memory function and the exact mechanisms for these changes, in particular the impact on pattern separation acting in the DG and CA3 regions, are yet to be elucidated. To this end, we adopted an acute-exercise design in humans, coupled with high-resolution functional MRI techniques, capable of resolving hippocampal subfields. A single 10-min bout of very light-intensity exercise (30%[Formula: see text]) results in rapid enhancement in pattern separation and an increase in functional connectivity between hippocampal DG/CA3 and cortical regions (i.e., parahippocampal, angular, and fusiform gyri). Importantly, the magnitude of the enhanced functional connectivity predicted the extent of memory improvement at an individual subject level. These results suggest that brief, very light exercise rapidly enhances hippocampal memory function, possibly by increasing DG/CA3-neocortical functional connectivity.
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31
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Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide promotes voluntary activity through dopaminergic activation in the medial prefrontal cortex. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10469. [PMID: 29992990 PMCID: PMC6041333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A physically active lifestyle is associated with better health in body and mind, and it is urgent that supporting agents for such lifestyles be developed. In rodents, voluntary locomotor activity as an active physical behavior may be mediated by dopaminergic neurons (DNs). Thiamine phosphate esters can stimulate DNs, and we thus hypothesized that thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD), a thiamine derivative, promotes locomotor activity via DNs in rats. Acute i.p. administration of TTFD enhanced rat locomotor activity in a normal cage. In vivo microdialysis revealed that TTFD-enhanced locomotor activity was synchronized with dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Antagonism of the dopamine D1 receptor, but not D2 receptor, in the mPFC fully suppressed TTFD-enhanced locomotor activity. Finally, we found a TTFD dose-dependent increase in voluntary wheel running. Our findings demonstrate that DNs in the mPFC mediates TTFD-enhanced locomotor activity, suggesting the potential of TTFD to induce active physical behavior.
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32
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Preschoolers' Technology-Assessed Physical Activity and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7050108. [PMID: 29738505 PMCID: PMC5977147 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7050108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early childhood is a critical period for development of cognitive function, but research on the association between physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children is limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association between technology-assessed physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity and Cognitive Development Study was conducted in Shanghai, China. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days, and cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese version of Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI). Linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between physical activity and cognitive function. A total of 260 preschool children (boys, 144; girls, 116; mean age: 57.2 ± 5.4 months) were included in analyses for this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that Verbal Intelligence Quotient, Performance Intelligence Quotient, and Full Intelligence Quotient were significantly correlated with light physical activity, not moderate to vigorous physical activity, in boys. Standardized coefficients were 0.211, 0.218, and 0.242 (all p < 0.05) in three different models, respectively. However, the correlation between physical activity and cognitive functions were not significant in girls (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that cognitive function is apparently associated with light physical activity in boys. Further studies are required to clarify the sex-specific effect on physical activity and cognitive functions.
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33
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Bullock AM, Mizzi AL, Kovacevic A, Heisz JJ. The Association of Aging and Aerobic Fitness With Memory. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:63. [PMID: 29593524 PMCID: PMC5854680 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the differential effects of aging and fitness on memory. Ninety-five young adults (YA) and 81 older adults (OA) performed the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) to assess high-interference memory and general recognition memory. Age-related differences in high-interference memory were observed across the lifespan, with performance progressively worsening from young to old. In contrast, age-related differences in general recognition memory were not observed until after 60 years of age. Furthermore, OA with higher aerobic fitness had better high-interference memory, suggesting that exercise may be an important lifestyle factor influencing this aspect of memory. Overall, these findings suggest different trajectories of decline for high-interference and general recognition memory, with a selective role for physical activity in promoting high-interference memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Bullock
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Allison L Mizzi
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ana Kovacevic
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer J Heisz
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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34
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Leal SL, Yassa MA. Integrating new findings and examining clinical applications of pattern separation. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:163-173. [PMID: 29371654 PMCID: PMC5898810 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-017-0065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pattern separation, the ability to independently represent and store similar experiences, is a crucial facet of episodic memory. Growing evidence suggests that the hippocampus possesses unique circuitry that is computationally capable of resolving mnemonic interference by using pattern separation. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of this process and evaluate the caveats and limitations of linking across animal and human studies. We summarize clinical and translational studies using methods that are sensitive to pattern separation impairments, an approach that stems from the fact that the hippocampus is a major site of disruption in many brain disorders. We critically evaluate the assumptions that guide fundamental and translational studies in this area. Finally, we suggest guidelines for future research and offer ways to overcome potential interpretational challenges to increase the utility of pattern separation as a construct that can further understanding of both memory processes and brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Leal
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Yassa
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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