Multi-modal characterization of rapid anterior hippocampal volume increase associated with aerobic exercise.

ABSTRACT: The hippocampus has been shown to demonstrate a remarkable degree of plasticity in response to a variety of tasks and experiences. For example, the size of the human hippocampus has been shown to increase in response to aerobic exercise. However, it is currently unknown what underlies these changes. Here we scanned sedentary, young to middle-aged human adults before and after a six-week exercise intervention using nine different neuroimaging measures of brain structure, vasculature, and diffusion. We then tested two different hypotheses regarding the nature of the underlying changes in the tissue. Surprisingly, we found no evidence of a vascular change as has been previously reported. Rather, the pattern of changes is better explained by an increase in myelination. Finally, we show that hi

SUBMITTER: Thomas AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4848119 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature