Functional Re-organization of Cortical Networks of Senior Citizens After a 24-Week Traditional Dance Program

Moving Towards a Medicine of Dance: A Scoping Review of Characteristics of Dance Interventions Targeting Older Adults and a Theoretical Framework

Background

Dance combines cultural and aesthetic elements with behaviors important for brain health, including physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive challenge. Therefore, dance could positively impact public health given the rapidly aging population, increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and lack of uptake of exercise in many older adults. Despite a high volume of literature, existing literature does not support evidence-based guidelines for dance to support healthy aging.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of the dance intervention literature in older adults and provide information to facilitate a more consistent approach among scientists in designing dance interventions for older adults that stimulate physical and neurocognitive health adaptations.

Methods

Study characteristics (sample size, population, study design, outcomes, intervention details) were ascertained from 112 separate studies of dance reported in 127 papers that reported outcomes important for brain health (cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and mobility, cognition, mood, and quality of life).

Results

High heterogeneity across studies was evident. Class frequency ranged from < 1 to 5 classes per week, class length from 30-120 minutes, and intervention duration from 2 weeks to 18 months. Studies often did not randomize participants, had small (< 30) sample sizes, and used varied comparator conditions. Over 50 tests of cognition, 40 dance forms, and 30 tests of mobility were identified.

Conclusions

Based on these results, important future directions are establishing common data elements, developing intervention mapping and mechanistic modeling, and testing dosing parameters to strengthen and focus trial design of future studies and generate evidence-based guidelines for dance.

Classification of cognitive impairment in older adults based on brain functional state measurement data via hierarchical clustering analysis

Introduction

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common degenerative condition in the older population. However, the current methods for assessing CI are not based on brain functional state, which leads to delayed diagnosis, limiting the initiatives towards achieving early interventions.

Methods

A total of one hundred and forty-nine community-dwelling older adults were recruited. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) were used to screen for CI, while brain functional was assessed by brain functional state measurement (BFSM) based on electroencephalogram. Bain functional state indicators associated with CI were selected by lasso and logistic regression models (LRM). We then classified the CI participants based on the selected variables using hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results

Eighty-one participants with CI detected by MoCA were divided into five groups. Cluster 1 had relatively lower brain functional states. Cluster 2 had highest mental task-switching index (MTSi, 13.7 ± 3.4), Cluster 3 had the highest sensory threshold index (STi, 29.9 ± 7.7), Cluster 4 had high mental fatigue index (MFi) and cluster 5 had the highest mental refractory period index (MRPi), and external apprehension index (EAi) (21.6 ± 4.4, 35.4 ± 17.7, respectively). Thirty-three participants with CI detected by MMSE were divided into 3 categories. Cluster 1 had the highest introspective intensity index (IIi, 63.4 ± 20.0), anxiety tendency index (ATi, 67.2 ± 13.6), emotional resistance index (ERi, 50.2 ± 11.9), and hypoxia index (Hi, 41.8 ± 8.3). Cluster 2 had the highest implicit cognitive threshold index (ICTi, 87.2 ± 12.7), and cognitive efficiency index (CEi, 213.8 ± 72.0). Cluster 3 had higher STi. The classifications both showed well intra-group consistency and inter-group variability.

Conclusion

In our study, BFSM-based classification can be used to identify clinically and brain-functionally relevant CI subtypes, by which clinicians can perform personalized early rehabilitation.

The Neuroscience of Dance: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review

Ancient and culturally universal, dance pervades many areas of life and has multiple benefits. In this article, we provide a conceptual framework and systematic review, as a guide for researching the neuroscience of dance. We identified relevant articles following PRISMA guidelines, and summarised and evaluated all original results. We identified avenues for future research in: the interactive and collective aspects of dance; groove; dance performance; dance observation; and dance therapy. Furthermore, the interactive and collective aspects of dance constitute a vital part of the field but have received almost no attention from a neuroscientific perspective so far. Dance and music engage overlapping brain networks, including common regions involved in perception, action, and emotion. In music and dance, rhythm, melody, and harmony are processed in an active, sustained pleasure cycle giving rise to action, emotion, and learning, led by activity in specific hedonic brain networks. The neuroscience of dance is an exciting field, which may yield information concerning links between psychological processes and behaviour, human flourishing, and the concept of eudaimonia.

IMOVE: Protocol for a randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial of improvisational movement and social engagement interventions in older adults with early Alzheimer's disease

Background

In addition to cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease (PWAD) experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., apathy, depression), altered gait, and poor balance that further diminish their quality of life (QoL). Here, we describe a unique, randomized, controlled trial to test the hypothesis that both movement and social engagement aspects of a group dance intervention alter the connectivity of key brain networks involved in motor and social-emotional functioning and lead to improved QoL in PWAD.

Methods

IMOVE (NCT03333837) was a single-center, randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial that assigned PWAD/caregiver dyads to one of 4 study conditions (Movement Group, Movement Alone, Social Group, or Usual Care control). The Movement Group participated in twice-weekly group improvisational dance (IMPROVment® Method) classes for 12 weeks. The Movement Alone intervention captured the same dance movement and auditory stimuli as the group class without social interaction, and the Social Group used improvisational party games to recapitulate the fun and playfulness of the Movement Group without the movement. The primary outcome was change in QoL among PWAD. Key secondary outcomes were functional brain network measures assessed using graph-theory analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms, gait, and balance.

Results

A total of 111 dyads were randomized; 89 completed the study, despite interruption and modification of the protocol due to COVID-19 restrictions (see companion paper by Fanning et al.). The data are being analyzed and will be submitted for publication in 2023.

Chronic effects of different exercise types on brain activity in healthy older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review

Objective: This study aimed to compare the regulation of brain activity by different kinds of long-term exercises (Tai Chi, treadmill training, and dancing) in healthy older adults and those with PD.

Methods: From January 2000 to October 2021, the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. All articles were screened throughout the inclusion and exclusion criteria, which was followed by PICOS criteria. Finally, all articles were systematically reviewed with analyses.

Results: 29 studies were identified for this review, 24 of which were finally included in a group of healthy older adults, and five of which in a group of people with PD. All studies showed that significant changes were showed on people with PD and healthy older adults’ brain activity after three terms of the exercises we chose. An inverse change trend on the functional connectivity in people with PD was observed after treadmill training, whereas increased brain activity, cognitive function, memory, and emotion were noticed in healthy older adults.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that different patterns of brain activity were also observed between healthy older adults and people with PD after treadmill training. However, more robust evidence and comprehensive studies are needed to determine if there is a difference between healthy older adults and people with PD.

The Effects of Combined Cognitive-Physical Interventions on Cognitive Functioning in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis

Research has shown that both physical exercise and cognitive training help to maintain cognition in older adults. The question is whether combined training might produce additive effects when the group comparisons are equated in terms of exercise intensity and modality. We conducted a systematic electronic search in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases to identify relevant studies published up to February 2021. Seven hundred and eighty-three effect sizes were obtained from 50 published intervention studies, involving 6,164 healthy older adults, and submitted to a three-level meta-analysis. Results showed that combined training produced a small advantage in comparison to single cognitive training on executive functions, whereas both types of training achieved similar effects on attention, memory, language, processing speed, and global cognition. Combined training achieved higher training gains in balance than single physical training, indicating a transfer from cognitive training to balance. Performing cognitive and physical exercise simultaneously, and interactive training (e.g., exergames, square stepping) produced the largest gains in executive functions, speed, and global cognition, as well as the largest improvements in physical functions. Aerobic training was associated with higher effects in attention and fitness, whereas non-aerobic training produced larger effects in global cognition and balance. For all cognitive and physical outcomes, training resulted more advantageous when performed in a social context, even though individual training obtained similar results in balance as group training.

Systematic Review Registration:www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42020175632.

Improvisational Movement to Improve Quality of Life in Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia: A Pilot Study

Alzheimer's disease has profound effects on quality of life, affecting not only cognition, but mobility and opportunities for social engagement. Dance is a form of movement that may be uniquely suited to help maintain quality of life for older adults, including those with dementia, because it inherently incorporates movement, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation. Here, we describe the methods and results of the pilot study for the IMOVE trial (NCT03333837, www.clinicaltrials.gov), a clinical trial designed to use improvisational dance classes to test the effects of movement and social engagement in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia. The pilot study was an 8-week investigation into the feasibility and potential effects of an improvisational dance intervention on people with MCI or early-stage dementia (PWD/MCI) and their caregivers (CG). The pilot aimed to assess changes in quality of life, balance, mood, and functional brain networks in PWD/MCI and their CG. Participants were recruited as dyads (pairs) that included one PWD/MCI and one CG. Ten total dyads were enrolled in the pilot study with five dyads assigned to the usual care control group and five dyads participating in the dance intervention. The intervention arm met twice weekly for 60 min for 8 weeks. Attendance and quality of life assessed with the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's disease (QoL-AD) questionnaire were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included balance, mood and brain network connectivity assessed through graph theory analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Class attendance was 96% and qualitative feedback reflected participants felt socially connected to the group. Increases in quality of life and balance were observed, but not mood. Brain imaging analysis showed increases in multiple brain network characteristics, including global efficiency and modularity. Further investigation into the positive effects of this dance intervention on both imaging and non-imaging metrics will be carried out on the full clinical trial data. Results from the trial are expected in the summer of 2022.

Impact of cognitive reserve on dance intervention-induced changes in brain plasticity

Dance is a complex sensorimotor activity with positive effects on physical fitness, cognition, and brain plasticity in the aging population. We explored whether individual levels of cognitive reserve (CR) proxied by education moderate dance intervention (DI)-induced plasticity assessed by resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) changes of the sensorimotor network (SMN), and between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and anterior default mode network (aDMN). Our cohort consisted of 99 subjects, randomly assigned to either a DI group who underwent a 6-month intervention (n = 49, M_age = 69.02 ± 5.40) or a control group (n = 50, M_age = 69.37 ± 6.10). Moderation analyses revealed that CR moderated DI-induced increase of the SMN rs-FC with significant changes observed in participants with ≥ 15 years of education (b = 0.05, t(62) = 3.17, p = 0.002). Only DI alone was a significant predictor of the DAN-aDMN crosstalk change (b = 0.06, t(64) = 2.16, p = 0.035). The rs-FC increase in the SMN was correlated with an improved physical fitness measure, and changes in the DAN-aDMN connectivity were linked to better performance on figural fluency. Consistent with the passive CR hypothesis, we observed that CR correlated only with baseline behavioral scores, not their change.

Exploring intensity-dependent modulations in EEG resting-state network efficiency induced by exercise

PURPOSE

Exhaustive cardiovascular load can affect neural processing and is associated with decreases in sensorimotor performance. The purpose of this study was to explore intensity-dependent modulations in brain network efficiency in response to treadmill running assessed from resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) measures.

METHODS

Sixteen trained participants were tested for individual peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and performed an incremental treadmill exercise at 50% (10 min), 70% (10 min) and 90% speed VO2 peak (all-out) followed by cool-down running and active recovery. Before the experiment and after each stage, borg scale (BS), blood lactate concentration (BLa), resting heartrate (HRrest) and 64-channel EEG resting state were assessed. To analyze network efficiency, graph theory was applied to derive small world index (SWI) from EEG data in theta, alpha-1 and alpha-2 frequency bands.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance for repeated measures revealed significant main effects for intensity on BS, BLa, HRrest and SWI. While BS, BLa and HRrest indicated maxima after all-out, SWI showed a reduction in the theta network after all-out.

CONCLUSION

Our explorative approach suggests intensity-dependent modulations of resting-state brain networks, since exhaustive exercise temporarily reduces brain network efficiency. Resting-state network assessment may prospectively play a role in training monitoring by displaying the readiness and efficiency of the central nervous system in different training situations.

Chinese Classical Dancers Have Improved Spontaneous Activity in Visual Brain Areas

Abstract. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies demonstrate that long-term exercise or dance training may cause changes in brain structure and function. However, the changes of neurofunction in the long-term practitioners of Chinese classical dance are still unclear. The purpose of the study is to explore the neurofunctional alterations associated with long-term Chinese classical dance training. Thirty female college students were selected, 15 students majoring in Chinese classical dance (average training years = 9.73 ± 1.75 years) and 15 education-matched non-dancer students with no previous experience of regular dance training. In this cross-sectional design, the resting-state fMRI data were acquired only once to observe the structural and functional changes of the brain. Compared with non-dancers, professional dancers had no significant difference in the total volume of whole brain, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. While in professional dancers, we found increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the left superior occipital gyrus, right Cuneus, and left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (Calcarine); increased fractional ALFF and regional homogeneity in the right Calcarine, indicating the increase of spontaneous brain activity in these brain areas. Since these brain areas are related to visual cognitive function, the results suggest that long-term Chinese classical dance training is associated with increased spontaneous regional brain activity in the visual areas. This may be closely related to the specific characteristics of Chinese classical dance and long-term professional training.

Neural Correlates of a Trance Process and Alternative States of Consciousness in a Traditional Healer

Trance processes are a form of altered states of consciousness (ASC) widely reported across cultures. Entering these states is often linked to auditory stimuli such as singing, chanting, or rhythmic drumming. While scientific research into this phenomenon is relatively nascent, there is emerging interest in investigating the neural correlates of altered states of consciousness such as trance. This report aims to add to this field of ASC through exploring how the perception of an experienced Sangoma (traditional South African healer) entering a trance process correlates to blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal modulation with auditory stimuli. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data were analyzed using a General Linear Model comparing music versus no music condition multiplied by the percept of experiencing trance (High or Low). Positive BOLD activation was shown in the auditory cortex in both hemispheres during a trance process. Other brain regions tightly correlated to trance perception were the right parietal, right frontal, and area prostriata (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). The orbitofrontal cortex (part of the Default Mode Network) was negatively activated and most correlated with music when trance was high, showing the largest differential between high and low trance perception. This is the first study to directly correlate BOLD signal variations in an expert subject’s percept of trance onset and intensity, providing insight into the neural signature and dynamics of this unique form of ASC. Future studies should examine in greater detail the perception of trance processes in expert subjects, adding other neuroimaging modalities to further investigate how these brain regions are modulated by trance expertise.

No Evidence That Cognitive and Physical Activities Are Related to Changes in EEG Markers of Cognition in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia

An active lifestyle as well as cognitive and physical training (PT) may benefit cognition by increasing cognitive reserve, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of this reserve capacity are not well understood. To investigate these mechanisms of cognitive reserve, we focused on electrophysiological correlates of cognitive performance, namely on an event-related measure of auditory memory and on a measure of global coherence. Both measures have shown to be sensitive markers for cognition and might therefore be suitable to investigate potential training- and lifestyle-related changes. Here, we report on the results of an electrophysiological sub-study that correspond to previously published behavioral findings. Altogether, 65 older adults with subjective or objective cognitive impairment and aged 60-88 years were assigned to a 10-week cognitive (n = 19) or a 10-week PT (n = 21) or to a passive control group (n = 25). In addition, self-reported lifestyle was assessed at baseline. We did not find an effect of both training groups on electroencephalography (EEG) measures of auditory memory decay or global coherence (ps ≥ 0.29) and a more active lifestyle was not associated with improved global coherence (p = 0.38). Results suggest that a 10-week unimodal cognitive or PT and an active lifestyle in older adults at risk for dementia are not strongly related to improvements in electrophysiological correlates of cognition.

The Impact of the BAILAMOS™ Dance Program on Brain Functional Connectivity and Cognition in Older Latino Adults: A Pilot Study

Dance is a culturally salient form of physical activity (PA) for older Latinos. Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) is a putative biomarker for age-related cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate the impact of the BAILAMOS™ dance program on FC in three brain functional networks (Default Mode [DMN], Frontoparietal [FPN], and Salience [SAL] networks), and cognition. Ten cognitively healthy older Latinos participated in the four-month BAILAMOS™ dance program. We assessed PA levels (self-reported and device-assessed) and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition, and resting-state FC via functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and post-intervention. We performed paired t-tests and Pearson correlations. Given the pilot nature of the study, significance levels were set at p < 0.05 and effect sizes are reported. We observed a significant increase in self-reported moderate leisure-time PA from pre- to post-intervention (t(9) = 3.16, p = 0.011, d = 0.66). FC within-FPN regions of interest (ROIs) significantly increased pre- to post-intervention (t(9) = 2.35, p = 0.043, d = 0.70). DMN ROIs showed an increase, with a moderate effect size, in the integration with other networks' ROIs (t(9) = 1.96, p = 0.081, d = 0.64) post-intervention. Increases in moderate leisure-time PA at post-intervention were associated with increases in the FC within-FPN (R = 0.79, p = 0.006). Our results suggest that dance might be a promising approach for improving age-related disruption of FC within- and between-networks commonly associated with cognitive decline.

A Bio-Psycho-Social Co-created Intervention for Young Adults With Multiple Sclerosis (ESPRIMO): Rationale and Study Protocol for a Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurological disease that causes disability in youth, does not only affect physical functions but is also associated with cognitive impairment, fatigue, depression, and anxiety and can significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Since MS is generally diagnosed at a young age-a period of great significance for personal, relational, and professional development-adaptation can become highly challenging. Therefore, enhancing the competence of young people to adaptively cope with these potential challenges is of utmost importance in order to promote their potentialities and talents. It has been shown that psychological interventions targeting MS patients can enhance resilience and HRQoL and that regular physical activity (PA) and social engagement can improve psychological well-being. However, literature on the development of global interventions based on the bio-psycho-social model of the disease is missing. Even less attention has been paid to interventions dedicated to young adults with MS (YawMS) and to the involvement of patients in the development of such programs.

AIMS

In collaboration with MS patients, this study aims to develop a bio-psycho-social intervention (ESPRIMO) for YawMS, aiming to improve their HRQoL and to explore its feasibility, acceptability, and effects.

METHODS

To tailor the intervention to the specific needs of YawMS, "patient engagement principles" will be adopted in the co-creation phase, performing a web survey and focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals. In the intervention phase, a pilot sample of 60 young adults with MS will be enrolled. The co-created intervention, composed of group sessions over a 12-week period, will cover psycho-social strategies and include physical activities. Adopting a longitudinal, pre-post evaluation design, self-report questionnaires measuring HRQoL and other bio-psycho-social features (e.g., resilience, well-being, mindfulness traits, self-efficacy, perceived social support, psychological symptoms, illness perception, committed action, fatigue, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, motivation, perception of autonomy support for PA, barriers and intentions to PA) will be administered, the quantity and quality of PA will be measured, and a questionnaire developed by the authors will be used to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the ESPRIMO intervention.

Dance on the Brain: Enhancing Intra- and Inter-Brain Synchrony

Dance has traditionally been viewed from a Eurocentric perspective as a mode of self-expression that involves the human body moving through space, performed for the purposes of art, and viewed by an audience. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we synthesize findings from anthropology, sociology, psychology, dance pedagogy, and neuroscience to propose The Synchronicity Hypothesis of Dance, which states that humans dance to enhance both intra- and inter-brain synchrony. We outline a neurocentric definition of dance, which suggests that dance involves neurobehavioral processes in seven distinct areas including sensory, motor, cognitive, social, emotional, rhythmic, and creative. We explore The Synchronicity Hypothesis of Dance through several avenues. First, we examine evolutionary theories of dance, which suggest that dance drives interpersonal coordination. Second, we examine fundamental movement patterns, which emerge throughout development and are omnipresent across cultures of the world. Third, we examine how each of the seven neurobehaviors increases intra- and inter-brain synchrony. Fourth, we examine the neuroimaging literature on dance to identify the brain regions most involved in and affected by dance. The findings presented here support our hypothesis that we engage in dance for the purpose of intrinsic reward, which as a result of dance-induced increases in neural synchrony, leads to enhanced interpersonal coordination. This hypothesis suggests that dance may be helpful to repattern oscillatory activity, leading to clinical improvements in autism spectrum disorder and other disorders with oscillatory activity impairments. Finally, we offer suggestions for future directions and discuss the idea that our consciousness can be redefined not just as an individual process but as a shared experience that we can positively influence by dancing together.

Does dance counteract age-related cognitive and brain declines in middle-aged and older adults? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Dance is a multidomain activity that combines aerobic, coordination and cognitive exercise. This music-associated physical and cognitive exercise is a leisure activity that motivates people, elicits emotions, and avoids boredom, promoting adherence to practice. Continuing physical activity is of paramount importance, since cognitive benefits tend to disappear or even reverse when training ceases.

OBJECTIVE

The question we addressed in this systematic review is what influence dance has on the brain and cognition of healthy middle-aged and older adults.

LITERATURE SURVEY

We systematically reviewed the effects of dance on brain and cognition in older adults using MEDLINE, Psyc-Info, PubMed and Scopus databases.

METHODOLOGY

After screening 1051 studies, thirty-five met the eligibility inclusion criteria. These studies showed that dance improves brain structure and function as well as physical and cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of dance training on cognition in older adults, together with the possibility of adapting intensity and style to suit possible physical limitations makes this activity very suitable for older adults.

Applications of Convolutional Neural Networks in neurodegeneration and physiological aging

The process of aging is linked with significant changes in a human's physiological organization and structure. This is more evident in the case of the brain whose functions generally vary between young and old individuals. Detecting such patterns can be of significant importance especially during the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) stage which is a transition state before the clinical onset of dementia. Intervening in that stage may delay or eventually prevent dementia onset. In this paper we propose a new methodology based in electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, aiming to classify individuals into healthy, pathological (patients diagnosed with MCI or Mild Dementia) and young, old groups (healthy individuals over and under 50 years of age) through functional connectivity and macro-architecture features. These features are calculated on the estimated brain region activations through the inverse problem solution, enabling us to transform the sensor level EEG recordings through an appropriate transformation matrix. Afterwards, Synchronization Likelihood and Relative Wavelet Entropy values were calculated along with the graph metrics corresponding to the functional connectivity values, as well as the relative energy contributions of five EEG bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma). These features were organized in Red, Green, Blue (RGB) image-like data structures. Therefore, it was possible to classify each individual into one of the two groups per experiment employing Convolutional Neural Networks. From the maximum classification accuracy achieved on the test set, 90.48% for the pathological aging group and 91.19% for the physiological aging, it is evident that the proposed approach is capable of providing adequate health and age group classification.

Links Between the Neurobiology of Oxytocin and Human Musicality

The human species possesses two complementary, yet distinct, universal communication systems—language and music. Functional imaging studies have revealed that some core elements of these two systems are processed in closely related brain regions, but there are also clear differences in brain circuitry that likely underlie differences in functionality. Music affects many aspects of human behavior, especially in encouraging prosocial interactions and promoting trust and cooperation within groups of culturally compatible but not necessarily genetically related individuals. Music, presumably via its impact on the limbic system, is also rewarding and motivating, and music can facilitate aspects of learning and memory. In this review these special characteristics of music are considered in light of recent research on the neuroscience of the peptide oxytocin, a hormone that has both peripheral and central actions, that plays a role in many complex human behaviors, and whose expression has recently been reported to be affected by music-related activities. I will first briefly discuss what is currently known about the peptide’s physiological actions on neurons and its interactions with other neuromodulator systems, then summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the distribution of oxytocin and its receptor (OXTR) in the human brain. Next, the complex links between oxytocin and various social behaviors in humans are considered. First, how endogenous oxytocin levels relate to individual personality traits, and then how exogenous, intranasal application of oxytocin affects behaviors such as trust, empathy, reciprocity, group conformity, anxiety, and overall social decision making under different environmental conditions. It is argued that many of these characteristics of oxytocin biology closely mirror the diverse effects that music has on human cognition and emotion, providing a link to the important role music has played throughout human evolutionary history and helping to explain why music remains a special prosocial human asset. Finally, it is suggested that there is a potential synergy in combining oxytocin- and music-based strategies to improve general health and aid in the treatment of various neurological dysfunctions.

Mobile brain/body Imaging in dance: A dynamic transdisciplinary field for applied research

Neuroscience of dance is an emerging field with important applications related to health and well-being, as dance has shown potential to foster adaptive neuroplasticity and is increasingly popular as a therapeutic activity or adjunct therapy for people living with conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. However, the multimodal nature of dance presents challenges to researchers aiming to identify mechanisms involved when dance is used to combat neurodegeneration or support healthy ageing. Requiring simultaneous engagement of motor and cognitive domains, dancing includes coordination of systems involved in timing, memory and spatial learning. Studies on dance to this point rely primarily on assessments of brain dynamics and structure through pre/post-tests or studies on expertise, as traditional brain imaging modalities restrict participant movement to avoid movement-related artefacts. In this paper, we describe the process of designing and implementing a study that uses mobile brain/body imaging (MoBI) to investigate real-time changes in brain dynamics and behaviour during the process of learning and performing a novel dance choreography. We show the potential for new insights to emerge from the coordinated collection of movement and brain-based data, and the implications of these in an emerging field whose medium is motion.

Effects of multidomain versus single-domain training on executive control and memory in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Previous research suggests that both cognitive training and physical exercise help to maintain brain health and cognitive functions that decline with age. Some studies indicate that combined interventions may produce larger effects than each intervention alone. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of combined cognitive and physical training compared to cognitive training and physical training alone on executive control and memory functions in healthy older adults.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this four-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) are: to investigate the synergetic effects of a simultaneous, group-based multidomain training program that combines cognitive video-game training with physical exercise, in comparison to those produced by cognitive training combined with physical control activity, physical training combined with cognitive control activity, or a combination of both control activities; to investigate whether event-related potential latencies of the P2 component are shorter and N2 and P3b components assessed in a memory-based task switching task are enhanced after training; and to find out whether possible enhancements persist after a 3-month period without training.

METHODS

In this randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 144 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the four combinations of cognitive training and physical exercise. The cognitive component will be either video-game training (cognitive intervention, CI) or video games not specifically designed to train cognition (cognitive control, CC). The physical exercise component will either emphasize endurance, strength, and music-movement coordination (exercise intervention, EI) or stretching, toning, and relaxation (exercise control, EC).

DISCUSSION

This RCT will investigate the short and long-term effects of multidomain training, compared to cognitive training and physical training alone, on executive control and memory functions in healthy older adults, in comparison with the performance of an active control group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03823183. Registered on 21 January 2019.

Resting State EEG in Exercise Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review of Effects and Methods

Background: Exercise has been shown to alter brain plasticity and is explored as a therapeutic intervention in a wide variety of neurological diseases. Electroencephalography (EEG) offers an inexpensive method of studying brain electrocortical activity shortly after exercise and thus offers a way of exploring the influence of exercise on the brain. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the current body of evidence regarding methods of EEG analysis and the reported effects of exercise interventions on EEG.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched for studies investigating resting state EEG in exercise intervention studies carried out in participants >17 years of age and with no history of epilepsy. Further, studies solely investigating event-related potentials as an outcome measure were excluded. Relevant data were extracted, and a risk-of-bias assessment was carried out using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A qualitative synthesis of results was carried out. A protocol for the systematic review was uploaded to https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (ID: CRD42019134570) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement was followed.

Results: Out of 1,993 records screened, 54 studies were included in a final qualitative synthesis with a total of 1,445 participants. Our synthesis showed that studies were mainly carried out using frequency analysis as an analytical method. Generally, findings across studies were inconsistent and few were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Studies were mainly of low quality and usually carried out in small populations, lowering the significance of results reported.

Conclusions: Changes in the EEG as a result of an exercise intervention are elusive and difficult to replicate. Future studies should provide biologically sound hypotheses underlying assumptions, include larger populations and use standardized EEG methods to increase replicability. EEG remains an interesting methodology to examine the effects of exercise on the brain.

Characterization of the Effects of a Six-Month Dancing as Approach for Successful Aging

Aging is accompanied by a decline in multiple domains. Positive effects of dance practice on several health issues have been evaluated in young adults, while the effects of regular social dance practice on physical fitness, sexual health, and cognitive functions have not been studied yet in older experienced dancers. Thus, the aim of this study has been to investigate whether a 6-month social dance practice might influence fitness performance, sexual health, and specific cognitive functions and/or mood characteristics in older experienced dancers. Thirty experienced dancers (age: 71.2±5.1 years, 18 females/12 males) were enrolled from the dance school "NonSoloLiscio" of Catanzaro. Body composition, physical fitness, sexual health, and cognitive functions were assessed before (T0) and after (T6) intervention. After 6 months of dance practice, percent of fat mass (%FM) significantly decreased (p<0.01), while fat-free mass (FFM) significantly increased (p<0.01) in both genders. Moreover, significant main effects of time on physical fitness tests, such as chair stand test (CST) (p<0.01), gait speed (p<0.05), and timed up and go (p<0.05), were found. Sexual health was significantly higher in males than in females at T0 and no significant effects of dance on subjects' sexual health were found. Interestingly, trait of anxiety significant decreased (p<0.05) and perception of retrospective memory significantly increased (p=0.05) after training independently of gender. Our preliminary results suggest that, even in older intermediate-level dancer, the practice of social dance might positively influence body composition and also increase fitness performance, memory functions, and anxiety. In contrast, no effects on sexual health were observed after 6 months of dancing.

Traditional Dance Improves the Physical Fitness and Well-Being of the Elderly

Regular physical activity is considered one of the most important factors for lifestyle, for maintaining good health in older ages and increasing life expectancy. Dance is considered an activity that involves coordinating movements with music, as well as brain activation because it is constantly necessary to learn and remember new steps. Dance as a musical-kinetics skill, requires the coordination of body movements with rhythmic stimuli, developing the adaptability of the movement. One-hundred-thirty (130) elderly people aged 60 years and over (mean age 67 years old) with an average of 8 years of education, attended Greek traditional dance sessions for 32 weeks. The frequency was 2 times per week, for 75 min per session. Dances were selected from all over Greece with moderate intensity initially. During the program, they had the opportunity to try with greater intensity dances. At the beginning and after the end of intervention all the participants were evaluated by the Fullerton Senior Fitness Test for their physical fitness, the Single Leg Balance and the Handgrip Strength Test. The results showed a significant improvement in their physical fitness (Chair Stand: T = −5.459, p < 0.001; Arm Curl: T = −5.750, p < 0.001; Back Scratch: T = −4.648, p < 0.001; Sit and Reach: T = −4.759, p < 0.001; 2 min Step: T = −5.567, p < 0.001; Foot Up and Go: T = −8.599, p < 0.001) and at their static balance with eyes open (Balance 1 leg: T = −4.996, p < 0.001) and Handgrip Strength (Handgrip: T = −3.490, p < 0.001). Elderly seem to enjoy dancing as an activity while maintaining their functionality. Probably the elderly in traditional dance cause prosperity in their lives by promoting active aging.