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Youssef L, Harroum N, Francisco BA, Johnson L, Arvisais D, Pageaux B, Romain AJ, Hayward KS, Neva JL. Neurophysiological effects of acute aerobic exercise in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105811. [PMID: 39025386 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105811] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Evidence continues to accumulate that acute aerobic exercise (AAE) impacts neurophysiological excitability as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Yet, uncertainty exists about which TMS measures are modulated after AAE in young adults. The influence of AAE intensity and duration of effects are also uncertain. This pre-registered meta-analysis (CRD42017065673) addressed these uncertainties by synthesizing data from 23 studies (including 474 participants) published until February 2024. Meta-analysis was run using a random-effects model and Hedge's g used as effect size. Our results demonstrated a decrease in short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) following AAE (g = 0.27; 95 % CI [0.16-0.38]; p <.0001), particularly for moderate (g = 0.18; 95 % CI [0.05-0.31]; p <.01) and high (g = 0.49; 95 % CI [0.27-0.71]; p <.0001) AAE intensities. These effects remained for 30 minutes after AAE. Additionally, increased corticospinal excitability was only observed for high intensity AAE (g = 0.28; 95 % CI, [0.07-0.48]; p <.01). Our results suggest potential mechanisms for inducing a more susceptible neuroplastic environment following AAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layale Youssef
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université́ de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Nesrine Harroum
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université́ de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Beatrice A Francisco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liam Johnson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denis Arvisais
- Direction des bibliothèques, Bibliothèques des sciences de la santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benjamin Pageaux
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université́ de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ahmed Jérôme Romain
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université́ de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center of the University Institute of Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kathryn S Hayward
- Departments of Physiotherapy and Medicine (RMH), University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason L Neva
- École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Faculté de médecine, Université́ de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Montreal, QC, Canada
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2
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Salihu AT, Hill KD, Jaberzadeh S. Age and Type of Task-Based Impact of Mental Fatigue on Balance: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Mot Behav 2024; 56:373-391. [PMID: 38189442 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2023.2299706] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The role of cognition in balance control suggests that mental fatigue may negatively affect balance. However, cognitive involvement in balance control varies with the type or difficulty of the balance task and age. Steady-state balance tasks, such as quiet standing, are well-learned tasks executed automatically through reflex activities controlled by the brainstem and spinal cord. In contrast, novel, and challenging balance tasks, such as proactively controlling balance while walking over rugged terrain or reacting to unexpected external perturbations, may require cognitive processing. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting balance impairments due to aging or pathology may rely on cognitive processes to control balance in most circumstances. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of mental fatigue on different types of balance control tasks in young and older adults. A literature search was conducted in seven electronic databases and 12 studies met eligibility criteria. The results indicated that mental fatigue had a negative impact on both proactive (under increased cognitive load) and reactive balance in young adults. In older adults, mental fatigue affected steady-state and proactive balance. Therefore, mentally fatigued older individuals may be at increased risk of a loss of balance during steady-state balance task compared to their younger counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakar Tijjani Salihu
- Monash Neuromodulation Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keith D Hill
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Monash Neuromodulation Research Unit, 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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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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Woodhead A, North JS, Hill J, Murphy CP, Kidgell DJ, Tallent J. Corticospinal and spinal adaptations following lower limb motor skill training: a meta-analysis with best evidence synthesis. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:807-824. [PMID: 36740653 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06563-3] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Motor skill training alters the human nervous system; however, lower limb motor tasks have been less researched compared to upper limb tasks. This meta-analysis with best evidence synthesis aimed to determine the cortical and subcortical responses that occur following lower limb motor skill training, and whether these responses are accompanied by improvements in motor performance. Following a literature search that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, data were extracted and analysed from six studies (n = 172) for the meta-analysis, and 11 studies (n = 257) were assessed for the best evidence synthesis. Pooled data indicated that lower limb motor skill training increased motor performance, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 1.09 being observed. However, lower limb motor skill training had no effect on corticospinal excitability (CSE), Hoffmann's reflex (H-reflex) or muscle compound action potential (MMAX) amplitude. The best evidence synthesis found strong evidence for improved motor performance and reduced short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) following lower limb motor skill training, with conflicting evidence towards the modulation of CSE. Taken together, this review highlights the need for further investigation on how motor skill training performed with the lower limb musculature can modulate corticospinal responses. This will also help us to better understand whether these neuronal measures are underpinning mechanisms that support an improvement in motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Woodhead
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St. Mary's University, Middlesex, Twickenham, TW1 4SX, UK.
| | - Jamie S North
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St. Mary's University, Middlesex, Twickenham, TW1 4SX, UK
| | - Jessica Hill
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St. Mary's University, Middlesex, Twickenham, TW1 4SX, UK
| | - Colm P Murphy
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3199, Australia
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3199, Australia.,School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, UK
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Sivaramakrishnan A, Subramanian SK. A Systematic Review on the Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Neurophysiological, Molecular, and Behavioral Measures in Chronic Stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:151-164. [PMID: 36703562 DOI: 10.1177/15459683221146996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A single bout of aerobic exercise (AE) can produce changes in neurophysiological and behavioral measures in healthy individuals and those with stroke. However, the effects of AE-priming effects on neuroplasticity markers and behavioral measures are unclear. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of AE on neuroplasticity measures, such as corticomotor excitability (CME), molecular markers, cortical activation, motor learning, and performance in stroke. METHODS A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Randomized and non-randomized studies incorporating acute AE in stroke were selected. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and methodological rigor of the studies and extracted data on participant characteristics, exercise interventions, and neuroplasticity related outcomes. The quality of transcranial magnetic stimulation reported methods was assessed using a standardized checklist. RESULTS A total of 16 studies were found suitable for inclusion. Our findings suggest mixed evidence for the effects of AE on CME, limited to no effects on intracortical inhibition and facilitation and some evidence for modulating brain derived neurotrophic factor levels, motor learning, and cortical activation. Exercise intensities in the moderate to vigorous range showed a trend towards better effects on neuroplasticity measures. CONCLUSION It appears that choosing a moderate to vigorous exercise paradigm for at least 20 to 30 minutes may induce changes in some neuroplasticity parameters in stroke. However, these findings necessitate prudent consideration as the studies were diverse and had moderate methodological quality. There is a need for a consensus on an exercise priming paradigm and for good-quality, larger controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandeep K Subramanian
- Department of Physical Therapy, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Physician Assistant Studies, UT Health San Antonio, TX, USA
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Siddique U, Frazer AK, Avela J, Walker S, Ahtiainen JP, Howatson G, Tallent J, Kidgell DJ. Determining the cortical, spinal and muscular adaptations to strength-training in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 82:101746. [PMID: 36223874 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There are observable decreases in muscle strength as a result of ageing that occur from the age of 40, which are thought to occur as a result of changes within the neuromuscular system. Strength-training in older adults is a suitable intervention that may counteract the age-related loss in force production. The neuromuscular adaptations (i.e., cortical, spinal and muscular) to strength-training in older adults are largely equivocal and a systematic review with meta-analysis will serve to clarify the present circumstances regarding the benefits of strength-training in older adults. 20 studies entered the meta-analysis and were analysed using a random-effects model. A best evidence synthesis that included 36 studies was performed for variables that had insufficient data for meta-analysis. One study entered both. There was strong evidence that strength-training increases maximal force production, rate of force development and muscle activation in older adults. There was limited evidence for strength-training to improve voluntary-activation, the volitional-wave and spinal excitability, but strong evidence for increased muscle mass. The findings suggest that strength-training performed between 2 and 12 weeks increases strength, rate of force development and muscle activation, which likely improves motoneurone excitability by increased motor unit recruitment and improved discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummatul Siddique
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashlyn K Frazer
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janne Avela
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Simon Walker
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha P Ahtiainen
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK; Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Woldeamanuel GG, Frazer AK, Lee A, Avela J, Tallent J, Ahtiainen JP, Pearce AJ, Kidgell DJ. Determining the Corticospinal Responses and Cross-Transfer of Ballistic Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Mot Behav 2022; 54:763-786. [PMID: 35437124 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2022.2061409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ballistic motor training induces plasticity changes and imparts a cross-transfer effect. However, whether there are age-related differences in these changes remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine the corticospinal responses and cross-transfer of motor performance following ballistic motor training in young and older adults. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. A best evidence synthesis was performed for variables that had insufficient data for meta-analysis. There was strong evidence to suggest that young participants exhibited greater cross-transfer of ballistic motor performance than their older counterparts. This meta-analysis showed no significant age-related differences in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and surface electromyography (sEMG) for both hands following ballistic motor training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashlyn K Frazer
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annemarie Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janne Avela
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, NeuroMuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| | - Juha P Ahtiainen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, NeuroMuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Alan J Pearce
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dawson J Kidgell
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Clos P, Lepers R, Garnier YM. Locomotor activities as a way of inducing neuroplasticity: insights from conventional approaches and perspectives on eccentric exercises. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:697-706. [PMID: 33389143 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04575-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corticospinal excitability, and particularly the balance between cortical inhibitory and excitatory processes (assessed in a muscle using single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation), are affected by neurodegenerative pathologies or following a stroke. This review describes how locomotor exercises may counterbalance these neuroplastic alterations, either when performed under its conventional form (e.g., walking or cycling) or when comprising eccentric (i.e., active lengthening) muscle contractions. Non-fatiguing conventional locomotor exercise decreases intracortical inhibition and/or increases intracortical facilitation. These modifications notably seem to be a consequence of neurotrophic factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor) resulting from the hemodynamic solicitation. Furthermore, it can be inferred from non-invasive brain and peripheral stimulation studies that repeated activation of neural networks can endogenously shape neuroplasticity. Such mechanisms could also occur following eccentric exercises (lengthening of the muscle), during which motor-related cortical potential (electroencephalography) is of greater magnitude and lasts longer than during concentric exercises (i.e., muscle shortening). As single-joint eccentric exercise decreased short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition and increased intracortical facilitation, locomotor eccentric exercise (e.g., downhill walking or eccentric cycling) may be even more potent by adding hemodynamic-related neuroplastic processes to endogenous processes. Besides, eccentric exercise is especially useful to develop relatively high force levels at low cardiorespiratory and perceived intensities, which can be a training goal alongside the induction of neuroplastic changes. Even though indirect evidence let us think that locomotor eccentric exercise could shape neuroplasticity in ways relevant to neurorehabilitation, its efficacy remains speculative. We provide future research directions on the neuroplastic effects and underlying mechanisms of locomotor exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Clos
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, 21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Romuald Lepers
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Yoann M Garnier
- Clermont-Auvergne University, AME2P, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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