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Zhu L, He A, Chen D, Dong X, Xiong X, Chen A. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a mediator between body fat rate and executive function in college students. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1293388. [PMID: 38174333 PMCID: PMC10764023 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1293388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine whether body fat rate (BF%) is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) mediates the association between BF% and Executive function (EF) in young adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 226 college students were recruited from an university. Flanker, 2-back, and odder and shifting tasks were used to assess EF. The incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed, and maximal oxygen consumption was recorded during test. The body composition measuring instrument was used to evaluate the participants' BF%. Results The BF% of college students was negatively correlated with each EF, BF% was negatively correlated with CRF, and CRF was negatively correlated with EF (P< 0.001). Structural equation modeling (SEM) and simultaneous analysis of several groups were used to construct mediator model. The CRF of college students plays a partial mediating role between BF% and EF, and the mediating effect accounts for 48.8% of the total effect value. Sex has no moderate effect on the relationship between BF%, CRF, and EF. Conclusions College students with high BF% can improve their CRF by strengthening physical exercise, thereby indirectly improving their EF. Therefore, college students who have a higher body fat percentage should be compensated for engaging in physical exercise in order to enhance their CRF and mitigate the detrimental effects of obesity and overweight on EF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Zhu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aihong He
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou Polytechnic College, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Dong
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Xiong
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiguo Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Liu B, Yu J, Wu J, Qin Y, Xiao W, Ren Z. Runners with better cardiorespiratory fitness had higher prefrontal cortex activity during both single and exercise-executive function dual tasks: an fNIRS study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1246741. [PMID: 37645567 PMCID: PMC10461451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1246741] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the relationship between executive function and prefrontal cortex oxygenation during exercise in young adults with different Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels. Methods: A total of 28 amateur runners (n = 14) and sedentary college students (n = 14) were recruited. The maximum oxygen uptake estimated for the sub-maximal intensity run (4.97 miles/h) was used to indicate the different CRF levels. After 1 week, participants must complete the Stroop and 2-Back tasks in silence while performing moderate-intensity exercise. Using 19-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopic (fNIRS) to examine changes in prefrontal cortex oxyhemoglobin. Results: There was no significant difference in the correctness of the Stroop and 2-Back tasks between the two groups during exercise, but the amateur runner group showed an acceleration in reaction time. fNIRS results showed that during the exercise 2-Back task, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex oxyhemoglobin was higher in the amateur runner group than in the sedentary group. Conclusion: Executive function during exercise was similarly improved in participants with better fitness, suggesting that CRF provides an excellent metabolic reserve and directed allocation for cognitive tasks during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Liu
- College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxuan Yu
- College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinlong Wu
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifan Qin
- College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhanbing Ren
- College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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van der Weyden MS, Martin J, Rodriguez J, Boolani A. An Intense Bout of Acute Aerobic Exercise, but Not a Carbohydrate Supplement, Improves Cognitive Task Performance in a Sample of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Athletes. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11040088. [PMID: 37104162 PMCID: PMC10146807 DOI: 10.3390/sports11040088] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are contradictory findings in the literature on whether an acute bout of aerobic exercise leads to a post-exercise improvement in cognitive function (CF). Moreover, participants used in the published literature are not representative of the racial make-up of sport or tactical populations. METHODS A randomized crossover design was incorporated, with participants randomly consuming water or a carbohydrate sports drink within the first 3 min of a graded maximal exercise test (GMET) conducted in a laboratory. Twelve self-identified African American participants, (seven males, five females, age = 21.42 ± 2.38 years, height = 174.94 ± 12.55 cm, mass = 82.45 ± 33.09 kg) completed both testing days. Participants completed the CF tests immediately pre- and post-GMET. CF was assessed with the Stroop color and word task (SCWT) and concentration task grid (CTG). Participants completed the GMET when they reported a score of 20 on the Borg ratings of perceived exertion scale. RESULTS Time to complete the SCWT incongruent task (p < 0.001) and CTG performance (p < 0.001) significantly improved post-GMET in both conditions. VO2max was positively correlated with pre- and post-GMET SCWT performance. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our study suggest that an acute bout of maximal exercise significantly improves CF. Additionally, cardiorespiratory fitness is positively associated with CF in our sample of student athletes from a historically Black college and university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Sax van der Weyden
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Joel Martin
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Jose Rodriguez
- Department of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Ali Boolani
- Honors Program, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
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4
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Lu Y, Wiltshire HD, Baker JS, Wang Q, Ying S. The effect of Tabata-style functional high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health and physical activity in female university students. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1095315. [PMID: 36923290 PMCID: PMC10008870 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1095315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome and physical inactivity enhances exposure to cardiometabolic risk factors in university students. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved cardiometabolic health in clinical adults but the evidence in the university setting is limited. Furthermore, few studies examined the effect of low-volume HIIT on habitual physical activity (PA). Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 12-week Tabata-style functional HIIT for improving multiple cardiometabolic health outcomes and habitual PA. We also investigated whether changes in habitual PA over the intervention period had an impact on exercise-induced health outcomes. Methods: 122 female freshmen were randomized into the Tabata group (n = 60) and the control (n = 62). The Tabata training protocol involved 8 × 20 s maximal repeated functional exercises followed by 10 s rest with a frequency of 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood pressure (BP), blood lipids, fasting glucose and insulin, C-reactive protein and PA were objectively measured using standardized methods. Dietary intake was measured using a valid food frequency questionnaire. All variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: Mixed linear modelling results showed that there were large intervention effects on VO2max (p < 0.001, d = 2.53, 95% CI: 2.03 to 3.00 for relative VO2max; p < 0.001, d = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.76 to 2.68 for absolute VO2max), resting heart rate (p < 0.001, d = -1.82, 95% CI: -2.23 to -1.37), systolic BP (p < 0.001, d = -1.24, 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.84), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) (p < 0.001, d = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.83 to 2.77), total PA (p < 0.001, d = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.53 to 2.41); moderate effects on %BF (p < 0.001, d = -1.15, 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.75), FM (p < 0.001, d = -1.08, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.69), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.001, d = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.42), total cholesterol (p = 0.001, d = -0.64, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.26); small effects on BMI (p = 0.011, d = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.84 to 0.11), WC (p = 0.043, d = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.01), low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.003, d = -0.57, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.19), HOMA-IR (p = 0.026, d = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.05) and fasting insulin (p = 0.035, d = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.03). Regression analysis showed that only the percentage change of HDL was associated with the change of MVPA (b = 0.326, p = 0.015) and TPA (b = 0.480, p = 0.001). Conclusion: From the findings of the study we can conclude that 12-week low-volume Tabata-style functional HIIT was highly effective for university female students to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, body fat, some cardiometabolic health outcomes and habitual PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Lu
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Huw D Wiltshire
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Steven Baker
- Centre for Population Health and Medical Informatics, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qiaojun Wang
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shanshan Ying
- Faculty of Sport Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Liu Y, Zhu L, Cai K, Dong X, Xiong X, Liu Z, Chen A. Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Executive Function in Young Adults: Mediating Effects of Gray Matter Volume. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1441. [PMID: 36358366 PMCID: PMC9688695 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and executive function (EF) in young adults and the mediating effects of GMV on this relationship. This study involved 217 college students. An incremental load exercise program was used to evaluate VO2max. EF was estimated by the Flanker task, the 2-back task, and the more-odd shifting task, while structural magnetic resonance and region-based morphometry (RBM) were used to analyze GMV. The high CRF group had a shorter updating reaction time (RT) (p ≤ 0.05). CRF was positively correlated with the right orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus (ORBmid.R) GMV (p ≤ 0.05). ORBmid.R GMV was negatively correlated with updating RT (p ≤ 0.05). Model 4 in SPSS was used to assess the mediating effects of ORBmid.R GMV between CRF and updating RT. ORBmid.R GMV was established to have a partially mediating role between CRF and updating RT, which accounted for 19.6% of the total effect value. These findings indicate that the negative correlation between CRF and EF was significant, and ORBmid.R GMV played a mediating role in the relationship between CRF and EF, providing new evidence toward comprehensively revealing that CRF promotes EF performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Liu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Kelong Cai
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Dong
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Xuan Xiong
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Zhimei Liu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Aiguo Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
- Institute of Sports, Exercise and Brain, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
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6
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Matrov D, Kurrikoff T, Villa I, Sakala K, Pulver A, Veidebaum T, Shimmo R, Harro J. Association of Impulsivity With Food, Nutrients, and Fitness in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:1014-1025. [PMID: 35977538 PMCID: PMC9743963 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impulsivity is a psychiatric vulnerability factor strongly associated with substance abuse but also with unhealthy diet. Whether these associations extend to specific nutrients is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the longitudinal association between diet, cardiorespiratory fitness, and 2 impulsivity dimensions in a representative sample of south Estonian adolescents and young adults. Impulsivity and dietary intake were measured 3 times in 2 birth cohorts at regular intervals in individuals aged 15 to 33 years. METHODS The sample included 2 birth cohorts of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. The analytic sample size consisted of 2883 observations (56.4% females). The primary outcomes were adaptive and maladaptive impulsivity scores measured by an original 24-item Likert-type questionnaire. Impulsivity scores were predicted from the food diaries data converted into nutrient categories. A linear mixed-effects approach was used to model the time dependence between observations. RESULTS Lower maladaptive impulsivity was associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (β = -.07; 95% CI = -0.12; -0.03). Higher maladaptive impulsivity was associated with lower dietary intake of zinc (β = -.10; -0.15; -0.06) and vegetables (β = -.04; -0.07; -0.01) and higher intake of sodium (β = .06; 0.02; 0.10). Vitamin B6 was positively associated with adaptive impulsivity (β = .04; 0.01; 0.07). Additionally, some of the adjusted models showed significant but weak associations with selenium, alcohol, fish, and cereal products. CONCLUSIONS Food choice may affect the neurochemistry and therefore regulate the manifestations of impulsivity. We identified associations between several (micro)nutrients and maladaptive impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Matrov
- Tallinn University Centre of Excellence in Neural and Behavioural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Kurrikoff
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia,Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Inga Villa
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katre Sakala
- Tallinn University Centre of Excellence in Neural and Behavioural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia,Department of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Aleksander Pulver
- Tallinn University Centre of Excellence in Neural and Behavioural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- Research Centre, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ruth Shimmo
- Tallinn University Centre of Excellence in Neural and Behavioural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Correspondence: Jaanus Harro, MD, PhD, Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A Chemicum, 50411 Tartu, Estonia ()
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7
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Agbangla NF, Pater Maire M, Maillot P, Vitiello D. Is there a relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive performance as function of mental workload in young adults? Front Psychol 2022; 13:932345. [PMID: 35936329 PMCID: PMC9353114 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we have decided to investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions in young adults as a function of mental workload. To achieve our objectives, we have solicited 29 young adults (18–25 years; 12 women) who have first realized the Random Number Generation (RNG) task with two levels of complexity. After each level of complexity, the participants were asked to report on their perceived difficulty. Secondly, participants performed the RABIT® test, during which oxygen consumption was measured through the Metamax 3B-R2. The results showed that executive performance and perceived difficulty deteriorate with increasing task complexity. Additionally, oxygen consumption increased significantly to reach a peak during the hardest phase of the RABIT® test. Finally, as in previous studies, we could not observe a correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Our findings support the lack of a direct relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Future studies should explore the relationship between the composite measure of executive function, hemodynamic activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy youth and their peers with cardiovascular disease. This will examine an indirect effect of Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on Executive functions (EFs) through brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla
- Laboratory URePSSS – SHERPAS (ULR 7369), Université d’Artois, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de Lille, UFR STAPS, Liévin, France
- *Correspondence: Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla,
| | - Marion Pater Maire
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Maillot
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Damien Vitiello
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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8
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Chi L, Hung CL, Lin CY, Song TF, Chu CH, Chang YK, Zhou C. The Combined Effects of Obesity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Are Associated with Response Inhibition: An ERP Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073429. [PMID: 33806257 PMCID: PMC8037415 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness exhibit negative and positive impacts, respectively, on executive function. Nevertheless, the combined effects of these two factors on executive function remain unclear. This study investigated the combined effects of obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness on response inhibition of executive function from both behavioral and neuroelectric perspectives. Ninety-six young adults aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited and assigned into four groups: the high cardiorespiratory fitness with normal weight (NH), high cardiorespiratory fitness with obesity (OH), low cardiorespiratory fitness with normal weight (NL), and low cardiorespiratory fitness with obesity (OL) groups. The stop-signal task and its induced P3 component of event-related potentials was utilized to index response inhibition. The participants with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., the NH and OH groups) demonstrated better behavioral performance (i.e., shorter response times and higher accuracy levels), as well as shorter stop-signal response times and larger P3 amplitudes than their counterparts with low cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., the NL and OL groups). The study provides first-hand evidence of the substantial effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on the response inhibition, including evidence that the detrimental effects of obesity might be overcome by high cardiorespiratory fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chi
- School of Physical Education, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, Fujian, China;
| | - Chiao-Ling Hung
- Department of Athletics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106319, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Yen Lin
- Physical Education Office, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202301, Taiwan;
| | - Tai-Fen Song
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 404401, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106209, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-H.C.); (Y.-K.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106209, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106209, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-H.C.); (Y.-K.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chenglin Zhou
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- Correspondence: (C.-H.C.); (Y.-K.C.); (C.Z.)
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9
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Cabral LLP, Browne RAV, Freire YA, Schwade D, Souto GC, Dantas M, Lima FAS, Farias-Junior LF, Costa EC, Barros JF. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Performance in Multiple Domains of Executive Functions in School-Aged Adolescents. Front Physiol 2021; 12:640765. [PMID: 33737887 PMCID: PMC7960783 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.640765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and performance in multiple domains of executive functions in school–aged adolescents. A sample of 132 adolescents (43% girls) aged 11–16 years were included in this cross–sectional study. Each participant completed a progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance running (PACER) test, computerized cognitive tasks (Attentional Network, Berg’s Card Sorting, Go/No–Go oddball, Sternberg’s Working Memory, and Tower of London) and questionnaire for daytime sleepiness, as well as other factors that might influence cognitive performance (age, sex, school year, pubertal stage, and body mass index – BMI). Generalized linear model was used to calculate the coefficient estimates (β) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for the cognitive tasks using PACER laps as a predictor, controlling for potential confounding variables. There was a negatively association of PACER laps with planning (β = –17.1, 95% CI –31.9, –2.3) and solution (β = –44.6, 95% CI –75.1, –14.2) time in performing the Tower of London task, as well as with perseverative errors in performing Berg’s task (β = –0.073, 95% CI –0.133, –0.013). Moderating effect of sex was found for the association of PACER laps with completed categories and perseverative errors in Berg’s task (p < 0.05). Mediating effect of BMI was found for the association between PACER laps and NoGo task, revealing a full mediator accounted for 81% of the total effect mediated (standardized indirect effect, –0.069, 95% CI –0.140, –0.020; standardized direct effect, 0.011, 95% CI –0.149, 0.165). No association was found for Attentional or Sternberg’s tasks. The findings suggest that school–aged adolescents with higher CRF level showed better planning and problem–solving abilities and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, the positive association of CRF with cognitive flexibility was sex–moderated and with inhibitory control was BMI–mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuri Alberto Freire
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Schwade
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Costa Souto
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dantas
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo Caldas Costa
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jônatas França Barros
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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10
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Cui J, Zou L, Herold F, Yu Q, Jiao C, Zhang Y, Chi X, Müller NG, Perrey S, Li L, Wang C. Does Cardiorespiratory Fitness Influence the Effect of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Executive Function? Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:569010. [PMID: 33132882 PMCID: PMC7573667 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.569010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The beneficial effects of acute exercise on executive function have been well-documented, but the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on this effect requires further investigations, especially using imaging technique. This study aimed to examine the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on acute exercise-induced changes on behavioral performance and on functional brain activation. Method Based on their cardiorespiratory fitness level, 62 participants ranked in the top and bottom of the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were finally selected and allocated to high-fit group or low-fit group. Both groups were asked to complete the Stroop task after 30 min of aerobic exercise and chair-seated rest (control session). Among them, 26 participants were randomly selected and asked to undergo the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Results Behavioral results showed that individuals responded significantly faster after exercise than those in the control session. The fMRI results revealed a significant interaction effects of Group by Session in brain regions including anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and bilateral dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). For the ACC, activation in the high-fit group was significantly decreased after aerobic exercise compared to those in the control session; whereas an increased activation was noticed in the low-fit group. Regarding to the bilateral DLPFC, activation in high-fit group was significantly decreased after exercise compared to those in the control session, while no significant differences were found in the low-fit group. In addition, for the post-exercise session, a significant positive correlations between activation of the ACC and left DLPFC in the high-fit group was observed. There was a significant negative correlation between activation of the ACC and reaction time in the congruent condition after exercise in the low-fit group. Conclusion Findings further clarify the neurophysiological processes of acute exercise-induced changes in cognitive performance as they suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness is an important factor which influences changes in brain activation patterns in response to acute aerobic exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liye Zou
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fabian Herold
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Qian Yu
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Can Jiao
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinli Chi
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Notger G Müller
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stephane Perrey
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
| | - Lin Li
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, MOE & STCSM, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Brain and Education Innovation, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Visier-Alfonso ME, Sánchez-López M, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Jiménez-López E, Redondo-Tébar A, Nieto-López M. Executive functions mediate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic achievement in Spanish schoolchildren aged 8 to 11 years. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231246. [PMID: 32275676 PMCID: PMC7147757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous research has studied the influence of physical fitness on academic achievement through executive functions. However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and executive functions are associated with academic achievement and to examine whether the relationship between CRF and academic achievement is mediated by executive functions in schoolchildren. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study including 570 schoolchildren, aged 8 to 11 years, from Cuenca, Spain. Data were collected from September to October 2017. Sociodemographic variables, family socioeconomic status, pubertal status, academic achievement, CRF (20-meter shuttle run test) and executive functions (inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory, NIH Toolbox battery in Spanish, v 1.8; iPad Pro, Apple, Inc.) were measured. RESULTS Overall, ANCOVA models controlling for age, gender and mother educational level showed higher scores in language and mathematics in children in higher categories of CRF, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory than in children in lower categories. The effect sizes were moderate (p < 0.05, partial eta squared: from 0.05 to 0.12). Moreover, the mediation analysis showed that inhibition partially mediated the relationship between CRF and language (c' = 0.058; IC = [0.005; 0.028]) and mathematics (c' = 0.064; IC = [0.005; 0.030]) grades. Similarly, cognitive flexibility mediated CRF's relationship with language (c' = 0.059; IC = [0.003; 0.028]) and with mathematics (c' = 0.066; IC = [0.003; 0.029]); however, a significant relationship remained. For working memory, mediation analysis showed no significant results (c' = 0.92; IC = [-0.002;0.025] P > 0.05 in language; c' = 0.103; IC = [-0.002;0.029] P > 0.05 in mathematics). Mediation ranged from 13.38% to 36%. CONCLUSIONS Children in higher categories of both CRF and executive function showed higher grades in mathematics and language. The findings indicated that a significant proportion of the positive influence of CRF on academic achievement was mediated by improvements in inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Thus, this study supports the hypothesis that improvements in CRF may contribute to increasing academic achievement not only through a direct mechanism but also through improvements in executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mairena Sánchez-López
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- School of Education, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Estela Jiménez-López
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Andrés Redondo-Tébar
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Marta Nieto-López
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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12
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Ekblom MM, Ekblom ÖB, Börjesson M, Bergström G, Jern C, Wallin A. Device-Measured Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness Are Independent Correlates of Cognitive Performance in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults-Results from the SCAPIS Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16245136. [PMID: 31888199 PMCID: PMC6949984 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
High aerobic fitness, more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and less sedentary behavior (SED) have all been suggested to promote cognitive functions, but it is unclear whether they are independent predictors of specific cognitive domains. This study aimed to investigate to what extent aerobic fitness MVPA and SED are independently associated with cognitive performance among middle-aged Swedish adults. We acquired device-based measures of aerobic fitness, cognitive performance and percent daily time spent in MVPA and SED in Swedish adults (n = 216; 54–66 years old). Aerobic fitness was associated with better performance at one out of two tests of speed/attention and one out of four tests of executive attention, and with worse performance at one of seven tests of memory. Increasing %MVPA was associated with better performance at one out of seven tests of memory and two out of three tests of verbal ability, whereas increasing %SED was associated with better performance at all four tests of executive attention and four out of seven tests of memory. These findings suggest that aerobic fitness, %MVPA and %SED are partly independent correlates of cognitive performance. To fully understand the association between SED and performance at several tests of cognitive function, future investigations might attempt to investigate intellectually engaging SED (such as reading books) separately from mentally undemanding SED (such as watching TV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M. Ekblom
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, 11486 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Örjan B. Ekblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Mats Börjesson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburgh, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.W.)
- Center for Health and Performance, Department of Food, Nutrition and Sports Science, 40530 Gothenburgh, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburgh, Sweden
| | - Göran Bergström
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburgh, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41345 Gothenburgh, Sweden
| | - Christina Jern
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical genetics and genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41345 Gothenburgh, Sweden
| | - Anders Wallin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburgh, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.W.)
- The Memory Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 40530 Gothenburgh, Sweden
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13
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Goenarjo R, Dupuy O, Fraser S, Perrochon A, Berryman N, Bosquet L. Cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, and cerebral oxygenation during a dual-task in healthy young males. Behav Brain Res 2019; 380:112422. [PMID: 31837344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation and dual-task performance in healthy young males. Changes in the concentration of oxygenated (ΔHbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHHb) in the right and left PFC were examined during a cognitive auditory 2-back task. Cognitive performance (2-back task's accuracy) and walking motor performances were measured in single-tasks (single motor and single cognitive) and dual-task (2-back task + walking). Thirty-six young males were ranked according to their V˙O2peak. The second tertile was excluded to generate two groups of different CRF (high fit group: n = 12 and V˙O2peak = 56.0 ± 6.7 ml kg-1 min-1; low-fit group: n = 12 and V˙O2peak = 36.7 ± 4.1 ml kg-1 min-1). The CRF groups were further split into two subgroups according to 24-h MAP (higher-MAP, lower-MAP). Two-way ANOVA (CRF x n-back conditions) revealed a significant interaction between the CRF and cognitive task condition on 2-back accuracy (p = .007) and a main effect of CRF on ⊗HHb in the right and left PFC (p < .05). These results suggest that in healthy young males: 1) for CRF, only low-fit individuals demonstrate dual-task costs in accuracy (Dual < Single), and 2) that in comparison to the low-fit group, the high fit-group demonstrated greater changes in PFC oxygenation in ΔHHb, but not ΔHbO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Goenarjo
- Laboratory MOVE, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Department of Medical Physiology, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Olivier Dupuy
- Laboratory MOVE, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Berryman
- Department of Sports Studies, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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14
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Mehren A, Diaz Luque C, Brandes M, Lam AP, Thiel CM, Philipsen A, Özyurt J. Intensity-Dependent Effects of Acute Exercise on Executive Function. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:8608317. [PMID: 31281346 PMCID: PMC6589258 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8608317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies suggest beneficial effects of aerobic exercise at moderate intensity on cognition, while the effects of high-intensity exercise are less clear. This study investigated the acute effects of exercise at moderate and high intensities on executive functions in healthy adults, including functional MRI to examine the underlying neural mechanisms. Furthermore, the association between exercise effects and cardiorespiratory fitness was examined. 64 participants performed in two executive function tasks (flanker and Go/No-go tasks), while functional MR images were collected, following two conditions: in the exercise condition, they cycled on an ergometer at either moderate or high intensity (each n = 32); in the control condition, they watched a movie. Differences in behavioral performance and brain activation between the two conditions were compared between groups. Further, correlations between cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise effects on neural and behavioral correlates of executive performance were calculated. Moderate exercise compared to high-intensity exercise was associated with a tendency towards improved behavioral performance (sensitivity index d') in the Go/No-go task and increased brain activation during hit trials in areas related to executive function, attention, and motor processes (insula, superior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and supplementary motor area). Exercise at high intensity was associated with decreased brain activation in those areas and no changes in behavioral performance. Exercise had no effect on brain activation in the flanker task, but an explorative analysis revealed that reaction times improved after high-intensity exercise. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was correlated with increased brain activation after moderate exercise and decreased brain activation after high-intensity exercise. These data show that exercise at moderate vs. high intensity has different effects on executive task performance and related brain activation changes as measured by fMRI and that cardiorespiratory fitness might be a moderating factor of acute exercise effects. Thus, our results may contribute to further clarify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Mehren
- Biological Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Hospital Karl-Jaspers-Klinik, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Cecilia Diaz Luque
- Biological Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Brandes
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS GmbH, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Unit Applied Health Intervention Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexandra P. Lam
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christiane M. Thiel
- Biological Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jale Özyurt
- Biological Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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15
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The Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Memory Function: Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050127. [PMID: 31075908 PMCID: PMC6572478 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important predictor of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health. To extend our knowledge on the health effects associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness on memory function. Materials and Methods: Embase/PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Sports Discus, and PsychInfo databases were searched. Inclusionary criteria included: (1) were conducted among adult humans (18+ years), (2) evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness as the independent variable, (3) measured cardiorespiratory fitness with an objective device (e.g., indirect calorimetry), (4) evaluated memory function (any type) as the outcome measure, and (5) included either a cross-sectional, prospective, or experimental-study design. Information on the participant’s characteristics, study design, cardiorespiratory fitness assessment, memory type, whether the study statistically controlled for exercise behavior, and study results were extracted. The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and memory was synthesized while considering the data extraction parameters. Results: In total, 17 articles met the inclusionary criteria, including two prospective cohort studies and 15 cross-sectional studies. The main findings of this review are twofold: (1) across the 17 evaluated studies, 15 (88.2%) studies demonstrated some evidence of a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and memory function, and (2) none of these 17 studies statistically controlled for physical activity behavior. Conclusion: CRF appears to be positively associated with memory function, however, it is uncertain as to whether this association occurs independently of physical activity or is mediated via physical activity behavior.
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16
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Fortune JM, Kelly ÁM, Robertson IH, Hussey J. An investigation into the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition and BDNF in young healthy males. Neurosci Lett 2019; 704:126-132. [PMID: 30862494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent investigations demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness may benefit brain health and plasticity with concurrent enhancements in cognitive performance; possibly via a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-regulated mechanism. While a number of studies have demonstrated an increase in BDNF concentration post exercise the relationship between BDNF, cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function requires further investigation. OBJECTIVE The present cross-sectional study assessed the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), cognitive performance and circulating BDNF concentration. METHODS Thirty-nine healthy male volunteers (mean age 21.7 ± 0.5 years) participated. Cognitive performance was measured by reaction time on a standard detection task and accuracy in a n-back and Continuous Paired Associative Learning (CPAL) task. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a standardised graded exercise test. Plasma and serum BDNF concentrations were assayed by ELISA. RESULTS A significant negative correlation between VO2max and reaction time was demonstrated (p < 0.05). However VO2max was not associated with circulating BDNF concentration, or performance in the n-back and CPAL tasks (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Enhanced psychomotor speed was associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness. In contrast to previous research no significant association between cardiorespiratory fitness and BDNF concentration was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Fortune
- Academic Unit of Neurology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Áine M Kelly
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Psychology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ian H Robertson
- School of Psychology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Juliette Hussey
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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17
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Zuniga KE, Mueller M, Santana AR, Kelemen WL. Acute aerobic exercise improves memory across intensity and fitness levels. Memory 2018; 27:628-636. [PMID: 30427750 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2018.1546875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to examine the impact of exercise intensity and aerobic fitness on free recall, judgments of learning (JOLs), and metacognitive accuracy. In Experiment 1, 30 college students engaged in either (1) no exercise, (2) light exercise (55% of predicted maximal heart rate), or (3) moderate exercise (75% of predicted maximal heart rate) on three different days. In Experiment 2, 29 high-fit students (VO2 max ≥ 70th percentile) and 28 low-fit students (VO2 max ≤ 50th percentile) completed sedentary and light exercise conditions. In both experiments, free recall scores significantly increased in the exercise conditions compared with the sedentary condition, but JOL magnitude and metacognitive accuracy were largely unaffected. These results demonstrate that exercise can improve recall at both light and high intensities, and that the benefit can be obtained by individuals regardless of their fitness level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystle E Zuniga
- a School of Family and Consumer Sciences , Texas State University , San Marcos , TX , USA
| | - Mackenzie Mueller
- a School of Family and Consumer Sciences , Texas State University , San Marcos , TX , USA
| | - Andrew R Santana
- b Department of Psychology , Texas State University , San Marcos , TX , USA
| | - William L Kelemen
- b Department of Psychology , Texas State University , San Marcos , TX , USA
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18
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Coleman M, Offen K, Markant J. Exercise Similarly Facilitates Men and Women's Selective Attention Task Response Times but Differentially Affects Memory Task Performance. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1405. [PMID: 30150954 PMCID: PMC6100625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has found that acute, moderate-intensity physical exercise enhances selective attention and memory and that men and women show differential performance on tasks measuring these skills. Although exercise and participant sex have been examined separately, it remains unknown whether acute, moderate-intensity exercise differentially affects men and women’s selective attention and memory encoding and retrieval. Participants in the present study completed two 10-min sessions of either moderate-intensity exercise comprised of jumping rope alternating with walking in place or an active control protocol comprised of watching wellness videos alternating with walking in place. Each participant completed a selective attention task and a task assessing recognition and object location memory immediately after exercising. Exercise was related to overall faster performance during the selective attention task, with no differences in men and women’s performance. Women showed better recognition memory compared to men. Exercise specifically improved object location memory among men, but only among participants who completed the memory task second. These findings suggest that acute, moderate-intensity exercise differentially affects men and women’s memory, which may be related to complex interactions between exercise, sex hormones, and the neurotrophin BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Coleman
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kelsey Offen
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Julie Markant
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Tsai CK, Kao TW, Lee JT, Wang CC, Chou CH, Liang CS, Yang FC, Chen WL. Global-cognitive health metrics: A novel approach for assessing cognition impairment in adult population. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197691. [PMID: 29813084 PMCID: PMC5973572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is the supreme worldwide burden for welfare and the health care system in the 21st century. The early identification and control of the modifiable risk factors of dementia are important. Global-cognitive health (GCH) metrics, encompassing controllable cardiovascular health (CVH) and non-CVH risk factors of dementia, is a newly developed approach to assess the risk of cognitive impairment. The components of ideal GCH metrics includes better education, non-obesity, normal blood pressure, no smoking, no depression, ideal physical activity, good social integration, normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and normal hearing. This study focuses on the association between ideal GCH metrics and the cognitive function in young adults by investigating the Third Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) database, which has not been reported previously. A total of 1243 participants aged 17 to 39 years were recruited in this study. Cognitive functioning was evaluated by the simple reaction time test (SRTT), symbol-digit substitution test (SDST), and serial digit learning test (SDLT). Participants with significantly higher scores of GCH metrics had better cognitive performance (p for trend <0.01 in three cognitive tests). Moreover, better education, ideal physical activity, good social integration and normal glycated hemoglobin were the optimistic components of ideal GCH metrics associated with better cognitive performance after adjusting for covariates (p < 0.05 in three cognitive tests). These findings emphasize the importance of a preventive strategy for modifiable dementia risk factors to enhance cognitive functioning during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Kuang Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Wei Kao
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Tay Lee
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ching Wang
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsing Chou
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Fu-Chi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Chen
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Daugherty AM, Zwilling C, Paul EJ, Sherepa N, Allen C, Kramer AF, Hillman CH, Cohen NJ, Barbey AK. Multi-modal fitness and cognitive training to enhance fluid intelligence. INTELLIGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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21
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Habitual exercise is associated with cognitive control and cognitive reappraisal success. Exp Brain Res 2017; 235:3785-3797. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-5098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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22
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Effects of Water-Based Exercise Training on the Cognitive Function and Quality of Life of Healthy Adult Women. J Phys Act Health 2017; 14:899-904. [PMID: 28682652 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2017-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research regarding the impact of aquatic exercise on cognition is scarce. This study aimed at identifying the effects of water-based exercise training on the cognitive function and quality of life of healthy adult women. METHODS Fifty-one healthy women [mean age: 46.5 (12.3) y] were assigned to group A or B and followed a water-based exercise program for 6 months. During the first 3 months, the sessions performed by group A were focused on stimulating cognitive function. For the next 3 months, the sessions were mainly aimed at improving physical fitness. Participants in group B followed the same program in reverse order. The trail making and symbol digit modality tests were used to assess the impact of the program on cognition. The effects of the intervention on the participants' physical and mental health were measured by means of the medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey. RESULTS Once the intervention ended, significant improvements were observed in the participants' cognitive function and mental health domain, regardless of the group in which they were initially included. CONCLUSION Water-based exercise is a training modality capable of enhancing cognitive function and quality of life through improvements in mental health in healthy adult women.
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Hingorjo MR, Zehra S, Hasan Z, Qureshi MA. Cardiorespiratory fitness and its association with adiposity indices in young adults. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 33:659-664. [PMID: 28811790 PMCID: PMC5510122 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.333.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity in young adults. Methods: Data was collected from 133 students of a medical college of Pakistan. The study was conducted on young adults, aged 17-24 years, recruited from Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, between Aug-Dec, 2015. Queen’s College Step Test was conducted to measure CRF and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) evaluated. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference) were taken to assess adiposity. Associations of VO2max and adiposity were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 44% overall. The VO2max (ml/kg/min) of males and females was 55.41±9.45 and 39.91±3.14, respectively, the gender difference being highly significant (p<0.001). Quartiles of VO2max showed strong inverse relationship between adiposity and VO2max, obese individuals having low VO2max (1st quartile) and normal weight individuals having high VO2max (4th quartile). VO2max correlated greatest with body fat in males (r = –0.600; p<0.001), and waist circumference in females (r = –0.319; p=0.004). Conclusion: The results indicate low CRF in young females and a strong inverse relationship between fitness levels and adiposity in young adults of both genders. Improving these parameters in our young population may prevent development of chronic non-communicable disease in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozaffer Rahim Hingorjo
- Prof. Mozaffer Rahim Hingorjo, FCPS. Department of Physiology, Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sitwat Zehra
- Dr. Sitwat Zehra, PhD. Department of Physiology, Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Hasan
- Dr. Zainab Hasan, MSc. Department of Community Medicine, Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Masood Anwar Qureshi
- Prof. Masood Anwar Qureshi, PhD. Department of Physiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Hwang J, Castelli DM, Gonzalez-Lima F. The positive cognitive impact of aerobic fitness is associated with peripheral inflammatory and brain-derived neurotrophic biomarkers in young adults. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:75-89. [PMID: 28501557 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is ample evidence for supporting the positive impact of aerobic fitness on cognitive function, but little is known about the physiological mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the positive cognitive impact of aerobic fitness is associated with inflammatory and neurotrophic peripheral biomarkers in young adults aged 18 to 29years (n=87). For the objective assessment of aerobic fitness, we measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) as a parametric measure of cardiorespiratory capacity. We demonstrated that young adults with the higher levels of VO2max performed better on computerized cognitive tasks assessing sustained attention and working memory. This positive VO2max-cognitive performance association existed independently of confounders (e.g., years of education, intelligence scores) but was significantly dependent on resting peripheral blood levels of inflammatory (C-reactive protein, CRP) and neurotrophic (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) biomarkers. Statistical models showed that CRP was a mediator of the effect of VO2max on working memory. Further, BDNF was a moderator of the effect of VO2max on working memory. These mediating and moderating effects occurred in individuals with higher levels of aerobic fitness. The results suggest that higher aerobic fitness, as measured by VO2max, is associated with enhanced cognitive functioning and favorable resting peripheral levels of inflammatory and brain-derived neurotrophic biomarkers in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungyun Hwang
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences and College of Arts, Media and Design, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Darla M Castelli
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - F Gonzalez-Lima
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Scott SP, De Souza MJ, Koehler K, Murray-Kolb LE. Combined Iron Deficiency and Low Aerobic Fitness Doubly Burden Academic Performance among Women Attending University. J Nutr 2017; 147:104-109. [PMID: 27881596 DOI: 10.3945/jn.116.240192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic success is a key determinant of future prospects for students. Cognitive functioning has been related to nutritional and physical factors. Here, we focus on iron status and aerobic fitness in young-adult female students given the high rate of iron deficiency and declines in fitness reported in this population. OBJECTIVES We sought to explore the combined effects of iron status and fitness on academic success and to determine whether these associations are mediated by cognitive performance. METHODS Women (n = 105) aged 18-35 y were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained for iron biomarkers, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), grade point average (GPA), performance on computerized attention and memory tasks, and motivation and parental occupation. We compared the GPA of groups 1) with low compared with normal iron status, 2) among different fitness levels, and 3) by using a combined iron status and fitness designation. Mediation analysis was applied to determine whether iron status and VO2peak influence GPA through attentional and mnemonic function. RESULTS After controlling for age, parental occupation, and motivation, GPA was higher in women with normal compared with low ferritin (3.66 ± 0.06 compared with 3.39 ± 0.06; P = 0.01). In analyses of combined effects of iron status and fitness, GPA was higher in women with normal ferritin and higher fitness (3.70 ± 0.08) than in those with 1) low ferritin and lower fitness (3.36 ± 0.08; P = 0.02) and 2) low ferritin and higher fitness (3.44 ± 0.09; P = 0.04). Path analysis revealed that working memory mediated the association between VO2peak and GPA. CONCLUSIONS Low iron stores and low aerobic fitness may prevent female college students from achieving their full academic potential. Investigators should explore whether integrated lifestyle interventions targeting nutritional status and fitness can benefit cognitive function, academic success, and postgraduate prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Jane De Souza
- Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; and
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
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