Benefits of physical activity and fitness for lifelong motor and cognitive development – Brain and behavior

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Abstract

The importance of physical activity for the improvement and preservation of cognitive abilities has repeatedly been examined. However, the approaches in these studies vary and the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. One line of research looks at the simultaneous performance of a motor and cognitive task (dual-task paradigms); while others investigate the association between cognitive performance and the overall fitness level of a person or the effects of a (long-term) fitness intervention on cognitive functioning. A third line of research looks at the immediate effects of acute bouts of exercise on cognitive functioning. Most exercise paradigms have utilized cardiovascular exercise, also referred to as aerobic or cardiorespiratory exercise, where highly automated movements like walking or cycling are performed. Physical activity, however, is manifold. Unlike cardiorespiratory exercise, coordination training comprises exercises for fine and gross motor body coordination such as balance, eye-hand coordination, leg-arm coordination as well as spatial orientation and reaction to moving objects/persons. Coordination training induces less change in energy metabolism than cardiovascular exercise. Instead, coordinative movements require perceptual and higher-level cognitive processes, such as attention, that are essential for mapping sensation to action and ensuring anticipatory and adaptive aspects of coordination. Today there are several neuroimaging methods available to research the effect of physical activity on neuronal changes. Methods used include structural imaging, structural connectivity, resting functioning imaging, and activation imaging techniques. In addition, biochemical approaches are used to disentangle the exercise-cognition-relationships at a cellular level. Results gained by these techniques show different, but in parts complementary results. Different methods provide access to different but interconnected aspects of the neural and physiological basis of activity related changes and how these might be regulated by different cellular mechanisms. During the past years, our research group has conducted studies in children, young and older adults to address the different lines of research and underlying mechanism. In my presentation, I will provide an overview on selective studies investigating acute and chronic effects of exercise in different age groups and discuss potential underlying mechanisms. Further, I will propose possible mechanisms by which physical activity facilitates cognitive performance.

Speakers from the University of Münster

Voelcker-Rehage, Claudia

Professorship of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise (Prof. Voelcker-Rehage)