scholarly journals Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions: A New Field for Research and Management of Cystic Fibrosis

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Elce ◽  
Alessandro Del Pizzo ◽  
Ersilia Nigro ◽  
Giulia Frisso ◽  
Lucia Martiniello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Positive Effects

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive mechanism and characterized by a progressive and severe multi-organ failure. Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein cause duct obstructions from dense mucus secretions and chronic inflammation related to organ damage. The progression of the disease is characterized by a decline of lung function associated with metabolic disorders and malnutrition, musculoskeletal disorders and thoracic deformities, leading to a progressive decrement of the individual’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) qualifies Physical Activity (PA) as a structured activity produced by skeletal muscles’ movements that requires energy consumption. In the last decade, the number of studies on PA increased considerably, including those investigating the effects of exercise on cognitive and brain health and mental performance. PA is recommended in CF management guidelines, since it improves clinic outcomes, such as peripheral neuropathy, oxygen uptake peak, bone health, glycemic control and respiratory functions. Several studies regarding the positive effects of exercise in patients with Cystic Fibrosis were carried out, but the link between the effects of exercise and cognitive and brain health in CF remains unclear. Animal models showed that exercise might improve learning and memory through structural changes of brain architecture, and such a causal relationship can also be described in humans. Indeed, both morphological and environmental factors seem to be involved in exercise-induced neural plasticity. An increase of gray matter volume in specific areas is detectable as a consequence of regular training in humans. Neurobiological processes associated with brain function improvements include biochemical modifications, such as neuromodulator or neurohormone release, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production and synaptic activity changes. From a functional point of view, PA also seems to be an environmental factor enhancing cognitive abilities, such as executive functions, memory and processing speed. This review describes the current state of research regarding the impacts of physical activity and exercise on cognitive functions, introducing a possible novel field of research for optimizing the management of Cystic Fibrosis.

scholarly journals Multimodal imaging brain markers in early adolescence are linked with a physically active lifestyle

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piergiorgio Salvan ◽  
Thomas Wassenaar ◽  
Catherine Wheatley ◽  
Nicholas Beale ◽  
Michiel Cottaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
World Health ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Spatially Extended

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) promotes physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle as means to improve youth development. However, relationships between physical lifestyle and brain development are not fully understood. Here, we asked whether a brain – physical latent mode of covariation underpins the relationship between physical activity, fitness, and physical health measures with multimodal neuroimaging markers. In 50 12-year old school pupils (26 females), we acquired multimodal whole-brain MRI, characterizing brain structure, microstructure, function, myelin content, and blood perfusion. We also acquired physical variables measuring objective fitness levels, 7-days physical activity, body-mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure. Using canonical correlation analysis we unravel a latent mode of brain – physical covariation, independent of demographics, school, or socioeconomic status. We show that MRI metrics with greater involvement in this mode also showed spatially extended patterns across the brain. Specifically, global patterns of greater grey matter perfusion, volume, cortical surface area, greater white matter extra-neurite density, and resting state networks activity, covaried positively with measures reflecting a physically active phenotype (high fit, low sedentary individuals). Showing that a physically active lifestyle is linked with systems-level brain MRI metrics, these results suggest widespread associations relating to several biological processes. These results support the notion of close brain-body relationships and underline the importance of investigating modifiable lifestyle factors not only for physical health but also for brain health early in adolescence.Significance statementAn active lifestyle is key for healthy development. In this work, we answer the following question: How do brain neuroimaging markers relate with young adolescents’ level of physical activity, fitness, and physical health? Combining advanced whole-brain multimodal MRI metrics with computational approaches, we show a robust relationship between physically active lifestyles and spatially extended, multimodal brain imaging derived phenotypes. Suggesting a wider effect on brain neuroimaging metrics than previously thought, this work underlies the importance of studying physical lifestyle, as well as other brain – body relationships in an effort to foster brain health at this crucial stage in development.

scholarly journals (Neuro) Peptides, Physical Activity, and Cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juho Autio ◽  
Ville Stenbäck ◽  
Dominique D. Gagnon ◽  
Juhani Leppäluoto ◽  
Karl-Heinz Herzig
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Insulin Growth Factor ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Regular physical activity (PA) improves cognitive functions, prevents brain atrophy, and delays the onset of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Presently, there are no specific recommendations for PA producing positive effects on brain health and little is known on its mediators. PA affects production and release of several peptides secreted from peripheral and central tissues, targeting receptors located in the central nervous system (CNS). This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge on the association between PA and cognition with a focus on the role of (neuro)peptides. For the review we define peptides as molecules with less than 100 amino acids and exclude myokines. Tachykinins, somatostatin, and opioid peptides were excluded from this review since they were not affected by PA. There is evidence suggesting that PA increases peripheral insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and elevated serum IGF-1 levels are associated with improved cognitive performance. It is therefore likely that IGF-1 plays a role in PA induced improvement of cognition. Other neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin, galanin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could mediate the beneficial effects of PA on cognition, but the current literature regarding these (neuro)peptides is limited.

Transforming waiting pauses into opportunity for physical activity: the “Activate your Wait” project

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Bizzarro ◽  
D Rossi ◽  
L Faetani ◽  
D Ghizzoni ◽  
R Martini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
World Health ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Intervention Phase ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Bodily Movement ◽  
Active Mobilization ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
High Level

Abstract Physical activity is recognised as a major health determinant, with positive effects on health, environmental sustainability and economy. However, worldwide, 1 in 4 adults, and 3 in 4 adolescents do not currently meet the recommendations for physical activity set by the World Health Organization. Notably, the prevalence of inactivity varies considerably within and between countries, and can be as high as 80% in some adult subpopulations. From the urgent need to implement strategies to fight sedentary behaviour, and considering that physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure, the project “Activate your Wait” was born. The project aim is to transform the waiting pauses during everyday life into opportunities to perform simple stretching and active mobilization exercises. The pilot study was carried out in September 2019 at the Terme S. Egidio, Suio Terme Castelforte (Italy). It was divided in three phases: in the pre-intervention phase a questionnaire evaluated the interest in the project (96 responders); during the intervention phase, lasting three days, examples of simple exercises that people can do by themselves were illustrated and undertaken by about 120 participants; in the post-intervention an evaluation questionnaire was administered (71 responders). The intervention aroused great participation and high approval (97%), and resulted in an increase both in willingness to perform exercises during daily waiting breaks (68% vs 94%) and belief in positive results of physical activity on health (74% vs 96%). In a context where the opportunities for physical activity are decreasing and a sedentary lifestyle has reached a high level, this project represents a contribution to the increase in the awareness of the importance of physical activity and the promotion of the culture of movement in the entire population, with an opportunity of easy accessibility in different contexts of life, at all ages. Key messages Physical activity is a major determinant of health, therefore it is fundamental to take all possible opportunities to be active. Waiting pauses are the perfect chance to exercise.

Age-related Shift in Neural Complexity Related to Task Performance and Physical Activity

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Heisz ◽  
Michelle Gould ◽  
Anthony R. McIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Local Information ◽  
Multiscale Entropy ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

The human brain undergoes marked structural changes with age including cortical thinning and reduced connectivity because of the degradation of myelin. Although these changes can compromise cognitive function, the brain is able to functionally reorganize to compensate for some of this structural loss. However, there are interesting individual differences in outcome: When comparing individuals of similar age, those who engage in regular physical activity are less affected by the typical age-related decline in cognitive function. This study used multiscale entropy to reveal a shift in the way the brain processes information in older adults that is related to physical activity. Specifically, older adults who were more physically active engaged in more local neural information processing. Interestingly, this shift toward local information processing was also associated with improved executive function performance in older adults, suggesting that physical activity may help to improve aspects of cognitive function in older adults by biasing the neural system toward local information processing. In the face of age-related structural decline, the neural plasticity that is enhanced through physical activity may help older adults maintain cognitive health longer into their lifespan.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Social Media-Based Interventions for the Promotion of Physical Activity: Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13018
Author(s):  
Liane Günther ◽  
Sarah Schleberger ◽  
Claudia R. Pischke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Population Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Social Media Platforms

A global target of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to reduce physical inactivity among all adults and adolescents by approximately fifteen percent by 2030. Social media could have an impact in this effort because of its enormous reach, potentially addressing underserved populations in need for physical activity (PA) interventions. This scoping review provides a broad overview of social media-based interventions and systematically maps the evidence regarding their effectiveness for PA promotion and other health outcomes. Scopus and Medline were searched using the terms “physical activity” and “social media” and the names of key social media platforms. Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, abstracts and full texts were screened for eligibility. In total, 12,321 publications were identified and 53 met the inclusion criteria. The use of Facebook was most prevalent in PA interventions, followed by study-specific platforms. More than one third of the studies revealed positive effects regarding the promotion of PA. Additionally, social media-based interventions positively affected other physical dimensions of health (e.g., weight or blood pressure). Results pertaining to feasibility were heterogeneous. Social media seems to be a promising tool for increasing PA at the population level. Future studies should take the abundance of platforms into account and select social media platforms consciously.

scholarly journals The Effect of Vitamin B12, Physical and Cognitive Activity on Idiopathic Forgetfulness

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Selcuk Mistik ◽  
Emine Agadayi ◽  
Emel Koseoglu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Vitamin Supplement ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Activity Group ◽  
Keywords Dementia

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of physical activity, vitamin B supplementation and mental activity on cognitive functions in middle-aged individuals with subjective forgetfulness. Methods: We included 82 people between 40-65 years of age who were admitted to Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Family Medicine and Neurology Departments polyclinics with the complaint of subjective forgetfulness between May 2017 and May 2018. General physical examination, blood tests including B12, folic acid level and thyroid functions were performed. In addition to the socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test, Visual and Verbal Memory Tests were performed. Sixty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to 3 groups as cognitive activity, physical activity and vitamin B supplementation. The physical activity group made a minimum of half-hour brisk walk daily. The cognitive activity group was asked to solve a hooked puzzle every day. Vitamin supplement group used daily vitamin B complex. At the end of the third month, cognitive tests and B12 blood level test were repeated. Results: Improvement in cognitive functions was found only in the walking group. Long-term visual memory and verbal memory sub-test scores improved significantly in all groups. There were some differences between the groups in terms of verbal memory subtest scores. Conclusion: In people with forgetfulness, walking, puzzle and vitamin B supplementation seem to have positive effects even after a period of three months in terms of cognitive functions and memory. Keywords: dementia, cognitive activity, exercise, physical, B vitamins

Jarduera fisikoa guztion osasuna eta ongizatea hobetzeko tresna

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Irazusta
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
The United Nations ◽  
Physical Activity And Exercise ◽  
The Impact

LABURPENA: Nazio Batuen Garapen Jasangarriko 2030 Agendaren hirugarren helburua da guztiontzat eta adin guztietan bizimodu osasungarria bermatzea eta ongizatea sustatzea. Munduko Osasun Erakundearen arabera, jarduera fisikoa munduko hilkortasun arriskua murrizten duen faktore garrantzitsua da. Lan honen helburua da jarduera fisikoak eta bere modu egituratuak, ariketa fisikoak, pertsona ororentzat dituzten onurak laburbiltzea eta pertsona nagusietan eta populazio zaurgarrienetan dituen eraginetan sakontzea. Gaur egun jakina da, jarduera eta ariketa fisikoa gaixotasun kroniko nagusienen prebentzioan eta tratamenduan eraginkorra direla. Aldi berean, pertsonen ongizatea eta bizi kalitatea hobetzen laguntzen dute. Oro har, ikertzaileak bat datoz, jarduera eta ariketa fisikoak onura nabariak sortzen dituzte adin eta egoera fisiko ia guztietako pertsonetan, baita ere hauskor eta zaurgarrienetan. Talde hauetan, azken urteetan ikerketan aurrerapen handiak egin dira. Orain dela gutxi arte, oso intentsitate baxuko mugikortasun programak proposatzen zitzaizkien eta gaur egun indarra eta erresistentzia aerobikoa intentsitate handiagoan lantzea onura gehiago ematen dizkietela frogatu da. Jarduera eta ariketa fisikoaren eragina ez da alde fisikora mugatzen, kognizioan, ongizate emozionalean eta gizarte sareen eraketan ere eragin positiboak dituela behatu baita. Hala ere, jarduera fisikoa onuragarria izateko banakoari egokitua, progresiboa eta egingarria izan behar du. Etorkizunerako erronka da pertsona guztiek bere neurriko jarduera fisikoa egiteko aukera izatea, guztien osasuna eta ongizatea hobetzeko. Honek Nazio Batuetako 2030 Agendaren hirugarren helburua betetzen lagunduko digu.   ABSTRACT:The third goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing at all ages. According to the World Health Organization,  physical activity is an important factor that reduces the risk of global mortality.The aim of this revision is to summarize the benefits of physical activity and exercise and  to delve deeper on their benefits on elder and vulnerable population. Nowdays, it is widely accepted that hysical activity and exercise have proved their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of the main chronic diseases. At the same time, they contribute to improving well-being and quality of life. In general, researchers agree, physical activity and exercise have benefits for people of all ages and almost all physical conditions, even the most frail and vulnerable. In these groups, there have been important advances in research in the last few years. Until recently, very low intensity mobility programs were proposed to them and today it has been shown that working out on strength and aerobic endurance at higher intensities gives them greater benefits. The impact of physical activity and exercise is not limited to physical parameters, as it has been observed that it also has positive effects on cognition, emotional well-being and the formation of social networks. However, to be beneficial physical activity must be individually adappted, progressive and feasible. The challenge for the future is that each individual has the opportunity to perform tailored physical activity to improve health and well-being of everybody. This will bring us closer to achieve the third goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

scholarly journals Cystic Fibrosis, New Frontier: Exploring the Functional Connectivity of the Brain Default Mode Network. Comment on Elce et al. Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions: A New Field for Research and Management of Cystic Fibrosis. Diagnostics 2020, 10, 489

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001
Author(s):  
Simone Gambazza ◽  
Rita Maria Nobili ◽  
Riccardo Biffi ◽  
Paul Eugene Summers ◽  
Carla Colombo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
The Brain

We read with great interest the paper entitled “Impact of physical activity of cognitive functions: a new field for research and management of Cystic Fibrosis” by Elce et al. [...]

scholarly journals Household physical activity is positively associated with gray matter volume in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah D. Koblinsky ◽  
Liesel-Ann C. Meusel ◽  
Carol E. Greenwood ◽  
Nicole D. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Matter Volume ◽  
Household Physical Activity

Abstract Background Total physical activity is positively associated with brain volume and cognition in older adults. While we have ample evidence that recreational physical activity influences brain health, the contributions of other daily activities are less understood. In particular, the associations between household physical activity and brain health in older adults is underexplored. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between household physical activity, brain volume, and cognition in a sample of cognitively unimpaired older adults. Methods We report data from 66 cognitively unimpaired older adults (71 ± 4 years) who participated in a health evaluation, cognitive assessment, and structural brain imaging. Physical activity was assessed using the Phone-FITT questionnaire and separated into household and recreational physical activity. We quantified whole brain volume, gray matter volume, and white matter volume, and assessed cognitive performance in four domains: memory, working memory/attention, processing speed, and executive function. Associations between physical activity, brain volume, and cognition were investigated in an omnibus approach using two multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) models. The first model assessed the associations between physical activity and brain volume adjusting for age, sex, Framingham Risk score (FRS) and intracranial volume. The second model assessed the associations between physical activity and overall cognitive performance adjusting for age, sex, FRS and education. Post hoc regression analyses were conducted to investigate significant MANOVA results. We also conducted further regression analyses to investigate associations with hippocampal and frontal lobe volume. Results Household, but not recreational, physical activity was positively associated with brain volume measurements (F = 3.07, p = .035), specifically gray matter volume (t = 2.51, p = .015). Further exploratory analyses identified that household physical activity was associated with hippocampal (p = .015) and frontal lobe (p = .010) volume. No significant relationships were observed between household or recreational physical activity and cognition. Conclusion Time spent engaging in household physical activity was positively associated with brain volume, specifically gray matter volume, in older adults. Highlighting the benefits associated with household chores may motivate older adults to be more active by providing a more attainable, low risk form of physical activity.

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