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Cheng S, Li W, Hui D, Ma J, Zhang T, Teng C, Dang W, Xiong K, Hu W, Cong L. Acute combined effects of concurrent physical activities on autonomic nervous activation during cognitive tasks. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1340061. [PMID: 38440348 PMCID: PMC10909997 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1340061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: The validity of heart rate variability (HRV) has been substantiated in mental workload assessments. However, cognitive tasks often coincide with physical exertion in practical mental work, but their synergic effects on HRV remains insufficiently established. The study aims were to investigate the combined effects of cognitive and physical load on autonomic nerve functions. Methods: Thirty-five healthy male subjects (aged 23.5 ± 3.3 years) were eligible and enrolled in the study. The subjects engaged in n-back cognitive tasks (1-back, 2-back, and 3-back) under three distinct physical conditions, involving isotonic contraction of the left upper limb with loads of 0 kg, 3 kg, and 5 kg. Electrocardiogram signals and cognitive task performance were recorded throughout the tasks, and post-task assessment of subjective experiences were conducted using the NASA-TLX scale. Results: The execution of n-back tasks resulted in enhanced perceptions of task-load feelings and increased reaction times among subjects, accompanied by a decline in the accuracy rate (p < 0.05). These effects were synchronously intensified by the imposition of physical load. Comparative analysis with a no-physical-load scenario revealed significant alterations in the HRV of the subjects during the cognitive task under moderate and high physical conditions. The main features were a decreased power of the high frequency component (p < 0.05) and an increased low frequency component (p < 0.05), signifying an elevation in sympathetic activity. This physiological response manifested similarly at both moderate and high physical levels. In addition, a discernible linear correlation was observed between HRV and task-load feelings, as well as task performance under the influence of physical load (p < 0.05). Conclusion: HRV can serve as a viable indicator for assessing mental workload in the context of physical activities, making it suitable for real-world mental work scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Cheng
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Duoduo Hui
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Taihui Zhang
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chaolin Teng
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weitao Dang
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kaiwen Xiong
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wendong Hu
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Department of Aerospace Medical Equipment, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Lai Z, Huang W, Lin W, Weng X, Mao Y, Xu G. A single 1,500 m freestyle at maximal speed decreases cognitive function in athletes. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1283585. [PMID: 38125859 PMCID: PMC10731674 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1283585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical exercise can improve cognitive function, and the degree of impact on cognitive function is related to exercise modality, intensity, and duration. However, few studies have been conducted on the effects of competitive sports on cognitive function. The 1,500 m freestyle is the longest pool-based swimming event in the Olympic Games. This study explores the effects of 1,500 m freestyle at maximal speed on athletes' cognitive function and analyzes the potential mechanism of cognitive function reduction in freestyle at maximal speed from the perspective of hemoglobin oxygenation difference (Hbdiff). Methods A total of 13 male university swimmers were required to take part in a 1,500 m freestyle competition, swimming at maximal speed. The relevant indicators, including cognitive function and freestyle at maximal speed, before and after the competition were tested and analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Schulte grid test (SGT), the trail-making test (TMT), and the digit span test (DST). The neurobiological characteristics of cognitive function, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), response time (RT), and accuracy rate (ACC), were tested using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results A significant decrease in scores for SGT, TMT, and digit span test-backward (DST-B) (p < 0.01). Oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentrations in the right frontopolar area (R-FPA) of brain channels 8 (p < 0.01) and 9 (CH8, 9) (p < 0.05), the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-DLPFC) CH10 (p < 0.05), and the middle dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (M-DLPFC) CH18 (p < 0.01) were significantly altered, and the right area of the brain was activated. The total Oxy-Hb concentrations in the regions of interest (ROIs) of R-FPA, R-DLFPC, and M-DLFPC were changed significantly (p < 0.01). Discussion The exhaustive performance of a 1,500 m freestyle event resulted in both physical fatigue and a decline in cognitive function. This decline may be attributed to the activation of specific regions of interest, namely the FPA, DLPFC, and M-DLPFC, within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as alterations in functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Lai
- Department of Graduation, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of School of Physical Education, Guangzhou College of Commerce, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Huang
- Department of Physical Education, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Lin
- Department of School of Physical Education, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiquan Weng
- Department of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuheng Mao
- Department of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoqin Xu
- Department of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
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Oh W, Kim TH, You JSH. Self-perception and anticipated efficacy of the anti-dementia multimodal program in 100 older adults with mild cognitive impairment. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 52:403-412. [PMID: 36806520 DOI: 10.3233/nre-220253] [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: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective and sustainable interventions are clearly needed for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Despite the clinical importance of the multimodal intervention approach, only one study using a multimodal approach demonstrated promising improvements in memory, attention, and executive functions, which also correlated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) changes in cerebral activation in 50 MCI patients. OBJECTIVE To investigate the self-perception and anticipated efficacy of each element of the BRAIN-FIT multimodal intervention program (robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT), computerized cognitive therapy, music, light, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises) and the correlation between memory, concentration, depression, and sleep in older adults with MCI. METHODS One hundred participants (mean±standard deviation: 8.63±78.4 years; 47 women) with MCI were recruited from a major university medical center and community dementia relief center. The survey questionnaire comprised four domains with 21 questions, including four pertaining to general demographic characteristics, eight related to exercise and activity, three related to sleep, and nine related to the BRAIN-FIT program. Chi-squared test was used to analyze the Likert scale data. The descriptive frequencies were calculated. Additionally, Spearman's rho statistics measure the rank-order association. The statistical significance was at P < 0.05. RESULTS A strong correlation was observed between memory and concentration (r = 0.850, P = 0.000), memory and depression (r = 0.540, P = 0.000), memory and sleep (r = 0.502, P = 0.000), concentration and depression (r = 0.602, P = 0.000), concentration and sleep (r = 0.529, P = 0.000) and sleep and depression (r = 0.497, P = 0.000). The correlation between medical services and sleep (r = 0.249, P = 0.012) was moderate. The chi-square test revealed a significant difference in memory and low-intensity duration of exercise (χ2[3,N = 100] = 11.69, P = 0.01), concentration and high-intensity exercise duration (χ2[3,N = 100] = 10.08, P = 0.02), concentration with low-intensity exercise duration (χ2[3,N = 100] = 21.11, P = 0.00), depression with high-intensity (χ2[3,N = 100] = 10.36, P = 0.02), high-intensity duration of exercise (χ2[3,N = 100] = 10.48, P = 0.02); low-intensity (χ2[3,N = 100] = 7.90, P = 0.48), and low-intensity duration of exercise (χ2[3,N = 100] = 9.69, P = 0.02). Additionally, significant differences were observed between sleep and high-intensity (χ2[3, N = 100] = 10.36, P = 0.02), low-intensity (χ2[3, N = 100] = 18.14, P = 0.00), and low-intensity duration of exercise (χ2[3, N = 100] = 18.30, P = 0.00). Among the participants 5% answered RAGT, and 20% responded that they had experienced computerized cognitive therapy. Music therapy (20 %), diaphragmatic breathing exercises (45 %), and light therapy (10 %) were used. No patient had experienced tDCS. Conversely, 11% of the participants answered RAGT for programs they wanted to experience and 21% responded to computerized cognitive therapy. 25% of music therapy, 22% of diaphragmatic breathing exercises, 5% of light therapy, and 16% of tDCS participants said they wanted to experience it. Finally, 63% of the participants wanted to participate in the BRAIN-FIT program. CONCLUSION The present study's results provide clinical evidence-based insights into the utilization of BRAIN-FIT in MCI to maximize cognitive score improvement of memory, concentration, depression, and sleep. Therefore, when designing the BRAIN-FIT, six intervention items were set in proportion to the preference based on the survey, to reduce participants' feeling of repulsion. The program was configured according to exercise intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjun Oh
- Sports Movement Artificial Robotics Technology (SMART) Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hui Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Joshua Sung H You
- Sports Movement Artificial Robotics Technology (SMART) Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
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Altermann W, Gröpel P. Effects of acute endurance, strength, and coordination exercise interventions on attention in adolescents: A randomized controlled study. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 64:102300. [PMID: 37665800 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare three different modes of an acute bout of exercise - endurance, strength, and coordination - in their effects on adolescents' attention. DESIGN This was a preregistered, prospective, randomized intervention study with four groups and two distinct measurement occasions. METHOD Eighty adolescent students aged 15-18 years were randomized to one of three exercise intervention groups (endurance, strength, coordination) or to a non-exercise, control group. The exercise interventions lasted for 25 min. The random assignment to the study groups was stratified according to participants' age and gender. Before and after the exercise intervention, all participants completed the revised d2-test of attention. A 4 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA with contrast-coded test was used as the main analysis method. RESULTS Attentional test performance increased from before to after the exercise intervention for all exercise groups, as compared with the control group. The three exercise groups improved equally and did not differ in their attentional scores after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS An acute bout of exercise was in general beneficial for adolescent students' attention, while the mode of the provided exercise training was not decisive. School directors and teachers are encouraged to incorporate exercise-related breaks into their school plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Altermann
- Division of Sport Psychology, Department of Sport Science, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Gröpel
- Division of Sport Psychology, Department of Sport Science, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Executive Function: A Systematic Review of the Moderating Role of Intensity and Executive Function Domain. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:141. [PMID: 36480075 PMCID: PMC9732176 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00527-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated that there is a beneficial effect of acute exercise on cognitive function; however, the moderators of the acute resistance exercise (RE) effect on executive function (EF) are underestimated. This systematic review aims to clarify the effects of acute RE on EF by examining the moderating effect of exercise intensity (light, moderate, and vigorous) and EF domains (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility), as well as their interactions. METHODS The search strategy was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycARTICLES, and Cochrane Library) prior to January 29, 2022. Included studies had to: (1) investigate acute RE in adults with normal cognition and without diagnosed disease; (2) include a control group or control session for comparison; (3) include outcomes related to the core EF domains; and (4) be published in English. The methodological quality of the included studies was judged according to the PEDro scale guidelines. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included which included a total of 692 participants. More than half of the outcomes (24/42, 57.14%) indicate that acute RE had a statistically significant positive effect on overall EF. In terms of RE intensity and EF domain, moderate intensity acute RE benefited EF more consistently than light and vigorous intensity acute RE. Acute RE-induced EF benefits were more often found for inhibitory control than for working memory and cognitive flexibility. When considering moderators simultaneously, measuring inhibitory control after light or moderate intensity RE and measuring working memory or cognitive flexibility after moderate intensity RE most often resulted in statistically significant positive outcomes. CONCLUSION Acute RE has a beneficial effect on EF, observed most consistently for inhibitory control following moderate intensity RE. Future studies should include all exercise intensities and EF domains as well as investigate other potential moderators to enable a better understanding of the benefits of acute RE on EF.
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Cheng A, Zhao Z, Liu H, Yang J, Luo J. The physiological mechanism and effect of resistance exercise on cognitive function in the elderly people. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1013734. [PMID: 36483263 PMCID: PMC9723356 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1013734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As brain function declines and cognitive ability declines, the benefits of resistance exercise to the brain of older people are gradually gaining attention. Objective The purpose of this review is to explore the mechanism and relationship between physiological factors such as vascular and neuronal degeneration and cognitive decline, and to categorize the differences in the effects of an acute and chronic resistance exercise intervention on cognitive function in healthy elderly people and the possible regulators of cognitive effects. Methods Using PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, X-MOL, CNKI, and Taiwan academic literature database, the research papers published in relevant journals at home and abroad until April 2022 were searched with Chinese and English keywords such as Resistance exercise, the elderly, hippocampus, memory performance, neurons, cognitive function. Pedro scale was used to check the quality of various documents, and the relevant research documents were obtained with the resistance exercise elements as the main axis for comprehensive analysis. Results and conclusion (1) Resistance exercise can have a beneficial effect on the brain function of the elderly through blood flow changes, stimulate nerve conduction substances and endocrine metabolism, promote cerebrovascular regeneration and gray matter volume of the brain, and prevent or delay the cognitive function degradation such as memory and attention of the elderly; (2) Acute resistance can temporarily stimulate hormone secretion in vivo and significantly improve the effect of short-term memory test, but it has little effect on the cognitive performance of the elderly; (3) Moderate-high intensity resistance exercise (50-80%1RM, 1-3 times/week, 2-3 groups/time) lasting for at least 6 months is more prominent for the improvement of cognitive function of the elderly, while the parameters such as resistance exercise intensity, exercise amount, duration, evaluation test time and differences of subjects may have different degrees of influence on cognitive benefits.
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Blood gas levels, cardiovascular strain and cognitive performance during surgical mask and filtering face piece application. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9708. [PMID: 35690655 PMCID: PMC9188275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mask induced airway resistance and carbon dioxide rebreathing is discussed to impact gas exchange and to induce discomfort and impairments in cognitive performance. N = 23 healthy humans (13 females, 10 males; 23.5 ± 2.1 years) participated in this randomized crossover trial (3 arms, 48-h washout periods). During interventions participants wore either a surgical face mask (SM), a filtering face piece (FFP2) or no mask (NM). Interventions included a 20-min siting period and 20 min steady state cycling on an ergometer at 77% of the maximal heart rate (HR). Hemodynamic data (HR, blood pressure), metabolic outcomes (pulse derived oxygen saturation, capillary carbon dioxide (pCO2), and oxygen partial pressure (pO2), lactate, pH, base excess), subjective response (ability to concentrate, arousal, perceived exertion) and cognitive performance (Stroop Test) were assessed. Compared to NM, both masks increased pCO2 (NM 31.9 ± 3.3 mmHg, SM = 35.2 ± 4.0 mmHg, FFP2 = 34.5 ± 3.8 mmHg, F = 12.670, p < 0.001) and decreased pH (NM = 7.42 ± 0.03, SM = 7.39 ± 0.03, FFP2 = 7.39 ± 0.04, F = 11.4, p < 0.001) during exercise. The FFP2 increased blood pressure during exercise (NM = 158 ± 15 mmHg, SM = 159 ± 16 mmHg, FFP2 = 162 ± 17 mmHg, F = 3.21, p = 0.050), the SM increased HR during sitting (NM = 70 ± 8 bpm, SM = 74 ± 8 bpm, FFP2 = 73 ± 8 bpm, F = 4.70, p = 0.014). No mask showed any comparative effect on other hemodynamic, metabolic, subjective, or cognitive outcomes. Mask wearing leads to slightly increased cardiovascular stress and elevated carbon dioxide levels during exercise but did not affect cognitive performance or wellbeing.
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