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Gökçe E, Adıgüzel E, Koçak ÖK, Kılınç H, Langeard A, Boran E, Cengiz B. Impact of Acute High-intensity Interval Training on Cortical Excitability, M1-related Cognitive Functions, and Myokines: A Randomized Crossover Study. Neuroscience 2024; 551:290-298. [PMID: 38851379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient, safe, and feasible exercise type that can be utilized across different ages and health status. This randomized cross-over study aimed to investigate the effect of acute HIIT on cortical excitability, M1-related cognitive functions, cognition-related myokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and Cathepsin B (CTSB). Twenty-three sedentary young adults (mean age: 22.78 years ± 2.87; 14 female) participated in a cross-over design involving two sessions: either 23 min of HIIT or seated rest. Before and after the sessions, cortical excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation, and M1-related cognitive functions were assessed by the n-back test and mental rotation test. Serum levels of BDNF and CTSB were assessed using the ELISA method before and after the HIIT intervention. We demonstrated that HIIT improved mental rotation and working memory, and increased serum levels of BDNF and CTSB, whereas cortical excitability did not change. Our findings provide evidence that one session of HIIT is effective on M1-related cognitive functions and cognition-related myokines. Future research is warranted to determine whether such findings are transferable to different populations, such as cognitively at-risk children, adults, and older adults, and to prescribe effective exercise programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evrim Gökçe
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Emre Adıgüzel
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Kurtkaya Koçak
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Neurology, Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Kılınç
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Neurology, Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Antoine Langeard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, CYCERON, CHU Caen, COMETE UMR 1075, Caen, France
| | - Evren Boran
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Neurology, Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bülent Cengiz
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Neurology, Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence, Ankara, Turkey
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Skog HM, Määttä S, Säisänen L, Lakka TA, Haapala EA. Associations of physical fitness with cortical inhibition and excitation in adolescents and young adults. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1297009. [PMID: 38741791 PMCID: PMC11090042 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1297009] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We investigated the longitudinal associations of cumulative motor fitness, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from childhood to adolescence with cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. The other objective was to determine cross-sectional associations of motor fitness and muscular strength with brain function in adolescence. Methods In 45 healthy adolescents (25 girls and 20 boys) aged 16-19 years, we assessed cortical excitability and inhibition by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), and motor fitness by 50-m shuttle run test and Box and block test, and muscular strength by standing long jump test. These measures of physical fitness and CRF by maximal exercise were assessed also at the ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Cumulative measures of physical measures were computed by summing up sample-specific z-scores at ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Results Higher cumulative motor fitness performance from childhood to adolescence was associated with lower right hemisphere resting motor threshold (rMT), lower silent period threshold (SPt), and lower motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in boys. Better childhood-to-adolescence cumulative CRF was also associated with longer silent period (SP) duration in boys and higher MEP amplitude in girls. Cross-sectionally in adolescence, better motor fitness and better muscular strength were associated with lower left and right rMT among boys and better motor fitness was associated with higher MEP amplitude and better muscular strength with lower SPt among girls. Conclusion Physical fitness from childhood to adolescence modifies cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. Motor fitness and muscular strength were associated with motor cortical excitability and inhibition. The associations were selective for specific TMS indices and findings were sex-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mari Skog
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sara Määttä
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laura Säisänen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo A. Lakka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eero A. Haapala
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Peier F, Mouthon M, De Pretto M, Chabwine JN. Response to experimental cold-induced pain discloses a resistant category among endurance athletes, with a distinct profile of pain-related behavior and GABAergic EEG markers: a case-control preliminary study. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1287233. [PMID: 38287989 PMCID: PMC10822956 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1287233] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a major public health problem worldwide, with a high rate of treatment failure. Among promising non-pharmacological therapies, physical exercise is an attractive, cheap, accessible and innocuous method; beyond other health benefits. However, its highly variable therapeutic effect and incompletely understood underlying mechanisms (plausibly involving the GABAergic neurotransmission) require further research. This case-control study aimed to investigate the impact of long-lasting intensive endurance sport practice (≥7 h/week for the last 6 months at the time of the experiment) on the response to experimental cold-induced pain (as a suitable chronic pain model), assuming that highly trained individual would better resist to pain, develop advantageous pain-copying strategies and enhance their GABAergic signaling. For this purpose, clinical pain-related data, response to a cold-pressor test and high-density EEG high (Hβ) and low beta (Lβ) oscillations were documented. Among 27 athletes and 27 age-adjusted non-trained controls (right-handed males), a category of highly pain-resistant participants (mostly athletes, 48.1%) was identified, displaying lower fear of pain, compared to non-resistant non-athletes. Furthermore, they tolerated longer cold-water immersion and perceived lower maximal sensory pain. However, while having similar Hβ and Lβ powers at baseline, they exhibited a reduction between cold and pain perceptions and between pain threshold and tolerance (respectively -60% and - 6.6%; -179.5% and - 5.9%; normalized differences), in contrast to the increase noticed in non-resistant non-athletes (+21% and + 14%; +23.3% and + 13.6% respectively). Our results suggest a beneficial effect of long-lasting physical exercise on resistance to pain and pain-related behaviors, and a modification in brain GABAergic signaling. In light of the current knowledge, we propose that the GABAergic neurotransmission could display multifaceted changes to be differently interpreted, depending on the training profile and on the homeostatic setting (e.g., in pain-free versus chronic pain conditions). Despite limitations related to the sample size and to absence of direct observations under acute physical exercise, this precursory study brings into light the unique profile of resistant individuals (probably favored by training) allowing highly informative observation on physical exercise-induced analgesia and paving the way for future clinical translation. Further characterizing pain-resistant individuals would open avenues for a targeted and physiologically informed pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Peier
- Laboratory for Neurorehabilitation Science, Medicine Section, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mouthon
- Laboratory for Neurorehabilitation Science, Medicine Section, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael De Pretto
- Laboratory for Neurorehabilitation Science, Medicine Section, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Joelle Nsimire Chabwine
- Laboratory for Neurorehabilitation Science, Medicine Section, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Neurology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Fribourg-Cantonal Hospital, Fribourg, Switzerland
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4
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Wang YR, Lefebvre G, Picard M, Lamoureux-Andrichuk A, Ferland MC, Therrien-Blanchet JM, Boré A, Tremblay J, Descoteaux M, Champoux F, Théoret H. Physiological, Anatomical and Metabolic Correlates of Aerobic Fitness in Human Primary Motor Cortex: A Multimodal Study. Neuroscience 2023; 517:70-83. [PMID: 36921757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.007] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) has been shown to benefit various cognitive functions and promote neuroplasticity. Whereas the effects of PA on brain anatomy and function have been well documented in older individuals, data are scarce in young adults. Whether high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) achieved through regular PA are associated with significant structural and functional changes in this age group remains largely unknown. In the present study, twenty young adults that engaged in at least 8 hours per week of aerobic exercise during the last 5 years were compared to twenty sedentary controls on measures of cortical excitability, white matter microstructure, cortical thickness and metabolite concentration. All measures were taken in the left primary motor cortex and CRF was assessed with VO2max. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) revealed higher corticospinal excitability in high- compared to low-fit individuals reflected by greater input/output curve amplitude and slope. No group differences were found for other TMS (short-interval intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation), diffusion MRI (fractional anisotropy and apparent fiber density), structural MRI (cortical thickness) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NAA, GABA, Glx) measures. Taken together, the present data suggest that brain changes associated with increased CRF are relatively limited, at least in primary motor cortex, in contrast to what has been observed in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ran Wang
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Lefebvre
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maude Picard
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Arnaud Boré
- Sherbrooke Connectivity Imaging Lab, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Jonathan Tremblay
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maxime Descoteaux
- Sherbrooke Connectivity Imaging Lab, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - François Champoux
- École d'Orthophonie et d'Audiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Exploring the links between gut microbiota and excitatory and inhibitory brain processes in alcohol use disorder: A TMS study. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109384. [PMID: 36567005 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109384] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behavior is increasingly recognized, human studies examining this question are still scarce. The primary objective of the current study was to explore the potential relationships between the gut microbiota composition, motor cortical excitability at rest and during inhibitory control, as well as behavioral inhibition, in healthy volunteers and in patients suffering from alcohol use disorder. Motor cortical excitability was examined using a range of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures probed at rest, including the recruitment curve, short and long intracortical inhibition, and intracortical facilitation within the primary motor cortex. Moreover, TMS was applied during a choice reaction time task to assess changes in motor excitability associated with inhibitory control. Finally, behavioral inhibition was investigated using a neuropsychological task (anti-saccade). Overall, our results highlight several interesting correlations between microbial composition and brain measures. Hence, higher bacterial diversity, as well as higher relative abundances of UGC-002 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group were correlated with stronger changes in motor excitability associated with inhibitory control. Also, higher abundance of Anaerostipes was associated with higher level of corticospinal excitability. Finally, relative abundances of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium were positively related to performance in the neuropsychological task, suggesting that they might have a positive impact on behavioral inhibition. Although correlation is not causation, the present study suggests that excitatory and inhibitory brain processes might be related to gut microbiota composition. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies'.
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Pickersgill JW, Turco CV, Ramdeo K, Rehsi RS, Foglia SD, Nelson AJ. The Combined Influences of Exercise, Diet and Sleep on Neuroplasticity. Front Psychol 2022; 13:831819. [PMID: 35558719 PMCID: PMC9090458 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.831819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to undergo structural and functional adaptations in response to experience, and this process is associated with learning, memory and improvements in cognitive function. The brain’s propensity for neuroplasticity is influenced by lifestyle factors including exercise, diet and sleep. This review gathers evidence from molecular, systems and behavioral neuroscience to explain how these three key lifestyle factors influence neuroplasticity alone and in combination with one another. This review collected results from human studies as well as animal models. This information will have implications for research, educational, fitness and neurorehabilitation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia V Turco
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karishma Ramdeo
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ravjot S Rehsi
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stevie D Foglia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Aimee J Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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7
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Hendy AM, Andrushko JW, Della Gatta PA, Teo WP. Acute Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Motor Cortical Excitability and Inhibition in Sedentary Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:814633. [PMID: 35369205 PMCID: PMC8967942 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies have demonstrated increased cortical facilitation and reduced inhibition following aerobic exercise, even when examining motor regions separate to the exercised muscle group. These changes in brain physiology following exercise may create favorable conditions for adaptive plasticity and motor learning. One candidate mechanism behind these benefits is the increase in brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) observed following exercise, which can be quantified from a venous blood draw. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in motor cortex excitability and inhibition of the upper limb, and circulating BDNF, following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a stationary bicycle. Nineteen sedentary adults participated in a randomized crossover design study involving a single bout of high-intensity interval cycling for 20 min or seated rest. Venous blood samples were collected, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to stimulate the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), where motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded pre- and post-condition. Following exercise, there was a significant increase (29.1%, p < 0.001) in corticospinal excitability measured at 120% of resting motor threshold (RMT) and a reduction in short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI quantified as 86.2% increase in the SICI ratio, p = 0.002). There was a non-significant (p = 0.125) 23.6% increase in BDNF levels. Collectively, these results reflect a net reduction in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synaptic transmission and increased glutamatergic facilitation, resulting in increased corticospinal excitability. This study supports the notion that acute high-intensity exercise provides a potent stimulus for inducing cortical neuroplasticity, which may support enhanced motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee M. Hendy
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ashlee M. Hendy,
| | - Justin W. Andrushko
- Brain Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul A. Della Gatta
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei-Peng Teo
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Neva JL, Greeley B, Chau B, Ferris JK, Jones CB, Denyer R, Hayward KS, Campbell KL, Boyd LA. Acute High-Intensity Interval Exercise Modulates Corticospinal Excitability in Older Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 54:673-682. [PMID: 34939609 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute exercise can modulate the excitability of the non-exercised upper-limb representation in the primary motor cortex (M1). Measures of M1 excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are modulated following various forms of acute exercise in young adults, including high intensity interval training (HIIT). However, the impact of HIIT on M1 excitability in older adults is currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of lower-limb cycling HIIT on bilateral upper-limb M1 excitability in older adults. METHODS We assessed the impact of acute lower-limb HIIT or rest on bilateral corticospinal excitability, intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and interhemispheric inhibition of the non-exercised upper-limb muscle in healthy older adults (aged 66 ± 8). We used single and paired-pulse TMS to assess motor evoked potentials (MEPs), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and the ipsilateral silent period (iSP). Two groups of healthy older adults completed either HIIT exercise or seated rest for 23 min, with TMS measures performed pre (T0), immediately post (T1) and 30 min post (T2) HIIT/rest. RESULTS MEPs were significantly increased after HIIT exercise at T2 compared to T0 in the dominant upper-limb. Contrary to our hypothesis we did not find any significant change in SICI, ICF or iSP following HIIT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that corticospinal excitability of the non-exercised upper-limb is increased following HIIT in healthy older adults. Our results indicate that acute HIIT exercise impacts corticospinal excitability in older adults, without affecting intracortical or interhemispheric circuitry. These findings have implications for the development of exercise strategies to potentiate neuroplasticity in healthy older and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Neva
- University of Montreal, School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada Research Center of the Montreal Geriatrics Institute (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada University of British Columbia, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada University of British Columbia, Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada University of British Columbia, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Vancouver, BC, Canada University of Melbourne, Department of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, & Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Neva JL, Brown KE, Peters S, Feldman SJ, Mahendran N, Boisgontier MP, Boyd LA. Acute Exercise Modulates the Excitability of Specific Interneurons in Human Motor Cortex. Neuroscience 2021; 475:103-116. [PMID: 34487820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.08.032] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute exercise can modulate the excitability of the non-exercised upper-limb representation in the primary motor cortex (M1). Accumulating evidence demonstrates acute exercise affects measures of M1 intracortical excitability, with some studies also showing altered corticospinal excitability. However, the influence of distinct M1 interneuron populations on the modulation of intracortical and corticospinal excitability following acute exercise is currently unknown. We assessed the impact of an acute bout of leg cycling exercise on unique M1 interneuron excitability of a non-exercised intrinsic hand muscle using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in young adults. Specifically, posterior-to-anterior (PA) and anterior-to-posterior (AP) TMS current directions were used to measure the excitability of distinct populations of interneurons before and after an acute bout of exercise or rest. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) were measured in the PA and AP current directions in M1 at two time points separated by 25 min of rest, as well as immediately and 30 min after a 25-minute bout of moderate-intensity cycling exercise. Thirty minutes after exercise, MEP amplitudes were significantly larger than other timepoints when measured with AP current, whereas MEP amplitudes derived from PA current did not show this effect. Similarly, SICI was significantly decreased immediately following acute exercise measured with AP but not PA current. Our findings suggest that the excitability of unique M1 interneurons are differentially modulated by acute exercise. These results indicate that M1 interneurons preferentially activated by AP current may play an important role in the exercise-induced modulation of intracortical and corticospinal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Neva
- Université de Montréal, École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique, Faculté de médecine, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Katlyn E Brown
- University of Waterloo, Department of Kinesiology, Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sue Peters
- Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha J Feldman
- Graduate Program in Clinical Developmental Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Niruthikha Mahendran
- University of Queensland, Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthieu P Boisgontier
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lara A Boyd
- University of British Columbia, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Turco CV, Nelson AJ. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Assess Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2021; 2:679033. [PMID: 38235229 PMCID: PMC10790852 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2021.679033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Aerobic exercise facilitates neuroplasticity and has been linked to improvements in cognitive and motor function. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to quantify changes in neurophysiology induced by exercise. The present review summarizes the single- and paired-pulse TMS paradigms that can be used to probe exercise-induced neuroplasticity, the optimal stimulation parameters and the current understanding of the neurophysiology underlying each paradigm. Further, this review amalgamates previous research exploring the modulation of these paradigms with exercise-induced neuroplasticity in healthy and clinical populations and highlights important considerations for future TMS-exercise research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimee J. Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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11
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Nicolini C, Michalski B, Toepp SL, Turco CV, D'Hoine T, Harasym D, Gibala MJ, Fahnestock M, Nelson AJ. A Single Bout of High-intensity Interval Exercise Increases Corticospinal Excitability, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Uncarboxylated Osteolcalcin in Sedentary, Healthy Males. Neuroscience 2021; 437:242-255. [PMID: 32482330 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exercise induces neuroplasticity in descending motor pathways facilitating motor learning, and as such it could be utilized as an intervention in neurorehabilitation, for example when re-learning motor skills after stroke. To date, however, the neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced neuroplasticity remain largely unknown impeding the potential utilization of exercise protocols as 'motor learning boosters' in clinical and non-clinical settings. Here, we assessed corticospinal excitability, intracortical facilitation (ICF) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and serum biochemical markers including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), total and precursor cathepsin B (tCTSB, proCTSB), uncarboxylated and carboxylated osteocalcin (unOCN, cOCN) and irisin using ELISA. Measurements were carried out in sedentary, healthy males before and after a single session of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) or in individuals who rested and did not perform exercise (No Exercise). We found that HIIE increased corticospinal excitability, BDNF and unOCN, and decreased cOCN. We also determined that greater increases in BDNF were associated with increases in unOCN and irisin and decreases in cOCN only in participants who underwent HIIE, suggesting that unOCN and irisin may contribute to exercise-induced BDNF increases. Conversely, no changes other than a decrease in serum unOCN/tOCN were found in No Exercise participants. The present findings show that a single session of HIIE is sufficient to modulate corticospinal excitability and to increase BDNF and unOCN in sedentary, healthy males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolini
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Bernadeta Michalski
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Stephen L Toepp
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Claudia V Turco
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Tarra D'Hoine
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Diana Harasym
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Martin J Gibala
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Aimee J Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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12
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Hung A, Roig M, Gillen JB, Sabiston CM, Swardfager W, Chen JL. Aerobic exercise and aerobic fitness level do not modify motor learning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5366. [PMID: 33686100 PMCID: PMC7970889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84764-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor learning may be enhanced when a single session of aerobic exercise is performed immediately before or after motor skill practice. Most research to date has focused on aerobically trained (AT) individuals, but it is unknown if aerobically untrained (AU) individuals would equally benefit. We aimed to: (a) replicate previous studies and determine the effect of rest (REST) versus exercise (EXE) on motor skill retention, and (b) explore the effect of aerobic fitness level (AU, AT), assessed by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), on motor skill retention after exercise. Forty-four participants (20-29 years) practiced a visuomotor tracking task (acquisition), immediately followed by 25-min of high-intensity cycling or rest. Twenty-four hours after acquisition, participants completed a motor skill retention test. REST and EXE groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.17, 133.22) = 269.13, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. AU-exercise (VO2peak = 31.6 ± 4.2 ml kg-1 min-1) and AT-exercise (VO2peak = 51.5 ± 7.6 ml kg-1 min-1) groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.07, 61.44) = 155.95, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. Therefore, exercise or aerobic fitness level did not modify motor skill retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Hung
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc Roig
- Memory and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory (MEMORY-LAB), Feil and Oberfeld Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Laval, QC, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jenna B Gillen
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada
| | - Walter Swardfager
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joyce L Chen
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada.
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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13
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Alibazi RJ, Pearce AJ, Rostami M, Frazer AK, Brownstein C, Kidgell DJ. Determining the Intracortical Responses After a Single Session of Aerobic Exercise in Young Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:562-575. [PMID: 33201155 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alibazi, RJ, Pearce, AJ, Rostami, M, Frazer, AK, Brownstein, C, and Kidgell, DJ. Determining the intracortical responses after a single session of aerobic exercise in young healthy individuals: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 562-575, 2021-A single bout of aerobic exercise (AE) may induce changes in the excitability of the intracortical circuits of the primary motor cortex (M1). Similar to noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, AE could be used as a priming technique to facilitate motor learning. This review examined the effect of AE on modulating intracortical excitability and inhibition in human subjects. A systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines, identified studies by database searching, hand searching, and citation tracking between inception and the last week of February 2020. Methodological quality of included studies was determined using the Downs and Black quality index and Cochrane Collaboration of risk of bias tool. Data were synthesized and analyzed using best-evidence synthesis. There was strong evidence for AE not to change corticospinal excitability and conflicting evidence for increasing intracortical facilitation and reducing silent period and long-interval cortical inhibition. Aerobic exercise did reduce short-interval cortical inhibition, which suggests AE modulates the excitability of the short-latency inhibitory circuits within the M1; however, given the small number of included studies, it remains unclear how AE affects all circuits. In light of the above, AE may have important implications during periods of rehabilitation, whereby priming AE could be used to facilitate motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razie J Alibazi
- Non-invasive Brain Stimulation & Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alan J Pearce
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamad Rostami
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran; and
| | - Ashlyn K Frazer
- Non-invasive Brain Stimulation & Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Callum Brownstein
- University of Lyon, University Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Non-invasive Brain Stimulation & Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Nicolini C, Fahnestock M, Gibala MJ, Nelson AJ. Understanding the Neurophysiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity in Cortical and Descending Motor Pathways: Where Do We Stand? Neuroscience 2020; 457:259-282. [PMID: 33359477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is a promising, cost-effective intervention to augment successful aging and neurorehabilitation. Decline of gray and white matter accompanies physiological aging and contributes to motor deficits in older adults. Exercise is believed to reduce atrophy within the motor system and induce neuroplasticity which, in turn, helps preserve motor function during aging and promote re-learning of motor skills, for example after stroke. To fully exploit the benefits of exercise, it is crucial to gain a greater understanding of the neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced brain changes that prime neuroplasticity and thus contribute to postponing, slowing, and ameliorating age- and disease-related impairments in motor function. This knowledge will allow us to develop more effective, personalized exercise protocols that meet individual needs, thereby increasing the utility of exercise strategies in clinical and non-clinical settings. Here, we review findings from studies that investigated neurophysiological and molecular changes associated with acute or long-term exercise in healthy, young adults and in healthy, postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolini
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Martin J Gibala
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Aimee J Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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