The effects of exercise on cognitive function and brain plasticity - a feasibility trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exercise-mediated cognitive improvements can be at least partly attributed to neuroplastic changes in the nervous system, and may be influenced by the Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to assess mechanisms of plasticity in humans noninvasively.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of evaluating the effects of short-term regular exercise on cognitive performance, and to evaluate the relationship between these effects, TMS measures of plasticity, and BDNF Met carrier status in young healthy sedentary adults.

Methods

Of the 19 participants who enrolled in the study, 14 sedentary adults (12 females, age mean±SD, 27±12.3 yr), with less than two sessions of physical exer

SUBMITTER: Gomes-Osman J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5839170 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature