Physical activity and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis

Cognitive impairment is prevalent, disabling, and poorly managed in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional study examined the associations among physical activity, cognitive processing speed, and learning and memory in 33 persons with MS who underwent neuropsychological assessments and wore a physical activity monitor for 7 days. Cognitive impairment was greatest in cognitive processing speed. Physical activity was significantly correlated with cognitive processing speed (pr = .35), but not learning and memory (pr = .20), after controlling for sex, age, and education. Researchers should examine exercise training and physical activity effects on cognitive performance, particularly processing speed, in MS.     

Fördert ein multidimensionales Gesundheitssportprogramm kognitive und motorische Fähigkeiten im höheren Erwachsenenalter?

Research on successful aging has shown that physical training can have positive effects on cognitive and motor functions in the elderly. The article describes a study involving a 12-week multidimensional exercise program (endurance, strength, flexibility and relaxation) with one session per week which was established for older adults (60 years onwards). Cognitive training (e. g. attention, concentration and memory) was additionally targeted in each exercise session. The exercise program was evaluated by different standardized tests regarding its effects on motor and cognitive performance as dependent variables. In a randomized controlled trial with experimental and waiting control group two points of measurement were conducted. The results showed a significant increase in fitness parameters (endurance, strength and dynamic balance) for the experimental group in contrast to the control group. The expected significant increase for cognitive functions was not found. There is still not enough known about the relationship between cognitive function and physical activity in older adults.     

Kognitive Handlungsrepräsentationen als Strukturgrundlage zur Definition von kognitiver Aktivierung im Sportunterricht

Cognitive activation is known from education research but has found only limited applicability in physical education research; therefore, this paper presents a proposal for a definition as well as a theoretical structure and process model of cognitive activation in physical education based on the currently dominant representational theory of memory and a subsequent theoretical action perspective. A central aim of this theoretical framework was to take an action theoretical perspective based on mental representation and model cognition of students in physical education classes. Accordingly, cognition and information processing in physical education are considered as constructive cognitive activities. Furthermore, mental representations of actions form the basis for movement and physical activity. This paper integrates intradisciplinary coordinates from sports psychology, exercise science and didactics and discusses interfaces between cognitive activation and cognitive activity of students in physical education. The present framework can be understood as a theoretical basis for physical education research.     

Assessment of the lactate and ventilatory thresholds by breathing frequency in runners

The aim of this study was to establish the validity of the breakpoint in breathing frequency for the assessment of the lactate threshold and the ventilatory threshold during incremental running exercise. Twelve trained runners (mean +/- s: age 29 +/- 8 years; body mass 68.7 8.8 kg; V O 2m ax 57.9 +/- 4.1 ml . kg -1 . min -1 ) performed randomly assigned incremental treadmill tests on separate days. In addition to the assessment of the V O 2m ax (Test 1), the subjects performed two standard multi-stage treadmill tests (4-min stages) for the assessment of the lactate threshold while wearing (Test 2) and not wearing (Test 3) a standard mouthpiece and noseclip arrangement. Breathing frequency was measured by a thermistor, which was positioned in the back of the mouthpiece for Test 2, and fixed 3 cm in front of the mouth using a headband and flexible wiring for Test 3. All exercise tests were recorded on videotape and mean breathing frequency and stride rate were calculated for the last minute of each stage from real-time playback of the videotapes. The breathing frequency breakpoint was determined in six subjects only for Test 2 and in five subjects only for Test 3. For Test 2, there were no differences between the breakpoint in breathing frequency (14.7 +/- 0.9 km . h - 1), the lactate threshold (14.7 +/- 0.9 km . h -1 ) and the ventilatory threshold (14.7 +/- 1.1 km . h -1 ). For Test 3, the breakpoint in breathing frequency (14.0 +/- 1.0 km . h -1 ) was not appreciably different from the lactate threshold (14.7 +/- 1.2 km . h -1 ). Hey plots showed marked interindividual differences in the responses of breathing frequency and tidal volume to exercise. In four subjects, the ventilatory threshold was mediated by a non-linear increase in tidal volume, with breathing frequency either increasing in a linear manner (n = 1) or remaining constant owing to entrainment of breathing frequency to cadence (n = 3). We conclude that the breakpoint in breathing frequency does not provide a valid method for the field-based assessment of the lactate or ventilatory thresholds in most subjects for running exercise.     

Characteristics of extracurricular physical activity and cognitive performance in adolescents. The AVENA study

Abstract

The aim of this report was to examine the associations between some characteristics (i.e., structure and number) of extracurricular physical activity (EPA) and cognitive performance in adolescents. A total of 1662 adolescents (880 girls; 13.0–18.5 years) from 5 Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza) were included in this study. Structure (organised and non-organised) and number of EPAs, and participation at vigorous intensity during EPA were self-reported. Cognitive performance (verbal, numeric and reasoning abilities, and an overall score) was measured with the “SRA-Test of Educational Ability”. Results showed that vigorous EPA was positively associated with all cognitive variables. Adolescents who practiced an organised EPA had higher scores in 3 of the 4 cognitive variables than those who practiced a non-organised EPA (all P < 0.05). Likewise, the group who participated in more than one EPA had higher cognitive performance in all variables than the group who participated in only one EPA (all P < 0.05). Regardless of potential confounder variables, including vigorous EPA, both structure and number of EPAs were each other independently associated with cognitive performance. Therefore, structure and number of EPAs may positively influence cognitive performance in adolescents. Participating in multiple, organised EPA may have benefits for cognitive performance.     

The effect of badminton-specific exercise on badminton short-serve performance in competition and practice climates

This study examined the effects of changes in physiological and psychological arousal on badminton short-serve performance in competitive and practice climates. Twenty competitive badminton players (10 males and 10 females) volunteered to participate in the study following ethics approval. After familiarisation, badminton short-serve performance was measured at rest, mid-way through and at the end of a badminton-specific exercise protocol in two conditions; competition vs. practice. Ratings of cognitive and somatic anxiety were assessed at three time points prior to badminton short-serve performance using the Mental Readiness Form 3. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed during the exercise protocol. Results indicated that better short-serve performance was evident in practice compared to competition (P?=?.034). RPE values were significantly higher in the competition condition compared to practice (P?=?.007). Cognitive anxiety intensity was significantly lower post-exercise in the practice condition compared to competition (P?=?.001). Cognitive anxiety direction showed greater debilitation post-exercise in the competition condition compared to practice (P?=?.01). Somatic anxiety intensity increased from pre-, to mid- to post-exercise (P?=?.001) irrespective of condition. This study suggests that badminton serve performance is negatively affected when physiological arousal, via badminton-specific exercise, and cognitive anxiety, via perceived competition, are high.     

The effects of a single night of complete and partial sleep deprivation on physical and cognitive performance: A Bayesian analysis

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of complete and partial sleep deprivation on multiple aspects of athletic performance. Ten males completed a cognitive function test, maximal handgrip strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) and a 15 min all out cycling test to assess aerobic performance. These tests were performed following 3 different sleep conditions; normal sleep (CON), a 4 hr sleep opportunity (PART) and complete sleep deprivation (DEP). Data were analysed using a Bayesian multi-level regression model to provide probabilities of impairment (p = %). Aerobic performance, CMJ and handgrip strength were impaired by 11.4% (p = 100%), 10.9% (p = 100%) and 6% (p = 97%) following DEP, while aerobic performance and CMJ were highly likely impaired by 4.1% (p = 90%) and 5.2% (p = 94%) following PART. Cognitive reaction time was not impacted by PART or DEP. In contrast the accuracy of responses was highly likely impaired by 2% (91) following DEP, while there was less certainty of impaired accuracy following PART (?1%, p = 73). Multiple aspects of physical and cognitive performance were impacted by sleep deprivation. The greatest detrimental effects were seen for aerobic performance and CMJ. Partial sleep deprivation equating to 4 hrs of sleep causes subtle, but potentially important negative impairments on athletic performance.     

Do cognitive training strategies improve motor and positive psychological skills development in soccer players? Insights from a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Soccer players are required to have well-developed physical, technical and cognitive abilities. The present systematic review, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, examined the effects of cognitive training strategies on motor and positive psychological skills development in soccer performance and identified the potential moderators of the “cognitive training–soccer performance” relationship. Thirteen databases were systematically searched using keywords related to psychological or cognitive training in soccer players. The review is based on 18 studies, employing 584 soccer players aged 7–39 years. Cognitive strategies, particularly imagery, appear to improve sports performance in soccer players. Regarding imagery, the combination of two different types of cognitive imagery training (i.e., cognitive general and cognitive specific) has a positive influence on soccer performance during training, whereas motivational imagery (i.e., motivational general-arousal, motivational general-mastery and motivational specific) enhance competition performance. Younger soccer players employ cognitive general and cognitive specific imagery techniques to a greater extent than older soccer players. Combined cognitive training strategies were more beneficial than a single cognitive strategy relative to motor skills enhancement in elite (particularly midfielders) and amateur (i.e., when practising complex and specific soccer skills in precompetitive period) soccer players. In conclusion, it appears that there are differences in cognitive/psychological training interventions, and their efficacy, according to whether they are directed towards training or competition, and the age, standard and playing position of the players.     

Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness associations with older adolescent cognitive control

Background:Participation in physical activity supports greater cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF),a correlate of cognitive control.However,the relationship between muscular fitness(MF)and cognitive control is less clear.The present study investigated the differential relationship of CRF and MF with cognitive control in older adolescents.Methods:This cross-sectional study involved students(15
17 years old,n=541,43%female)from 20 secondary schools who completed tests of inhibition(modified flanker task),working memory(n-back task),CRF(Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run),and MF(standing long jump and push-up test).Multilevel analyses tested the association between CRF or MF and cognitive outcomes while accounting for the influence of the other fitness variable and relevant demographic factors.Results:CRF predicted response accuracy during incongruent flanker trials,the condition requiring greater inhibition.For the working memory task,CRF predicted greater target accuracy and greater d’scores on the 1-back task,requiring lesser amounts of working memory.In the 2-back task,which requires greater amounts of working memory,CRF also predicted greater target and non-target accuracy and d’scores.Comparatively,MF did not predict any cognitive outcomes after adjustment for CRF.Conclusion:CRF was selectively related to better performance during task conditions that require greater amounts of inhibition and working memory.This finding suggests that CRF,but not MF,may benefit cognitive control in older adolescents.This selective influence of CRF on older adolescents’cognition highlights the value of aerobic physical activity.     

A distributional analysis of the effect of physical exercise on a choice reaction time task

The aim of this study was to examine the facilitating effects of physical exercise on the reaction process. Eleven participants with specific expertise in decision-making sports performed a choice reaction time task during moderate sub-maximal exercise (90% of their ventilatory threshold power). Participants were tested at rest and while cycling. During exercise, the participants were faster, without being more variable. We suggest that the effect of exercise on cognitive performance was due to a major generalized improvement of the whole distribution of response time and, although the benefit effect was small, it was consistent throughout the entire range of reaction times.     

我国优秀田径运动员认知风格、竞赛焦虑与竞技水平发挥关系的研究

为探讨我国田径运动员的认知风格、竞赛焦虑特征与竞技水平发挥的关系,采用镶嵌图形测验和竞赛状态焦虑问卷的方法,对我国15个省、市优秀田径运动员93人进行调查。结果显示:①我国优秀田径运动员有场依存者和场独立者,个体差异情况较大;田径运动员认知状态焦虑低于田径常模、躯体状态焦虑显著低于常模,状态自信心显著高于常模,场独立运动员躯体状态焦虑显著高于场依存运动员,认知状态焦虑更低而状态自信心更高。②认知风格与认知状态焦虑显著负相关,与躯体状态焦虑、状态自信心正相关,认知风格是影响认知状态焦虑的一个主因素。③两种认知风格运动员与竞技水平发挥率负相关,场独立运动员竞技水平发挥率更高;竞技水平发挥高组的运动员认知状态焦虑、躯体状态焦虑更低,状态自信心更高;竞技水平发挥高组与认知状态焦虑、躯体状态焦虑负相关,竞技水平发挥低组与认知状态焦虑负相关、与躯体状态焦虑正相关,两组运动员与状态自信心正相关;回归分析表明竞赛焦虑的三个维度均不能预测竞技水平发挥程度。     

A distributional analysis of the effect of physical exercise on a choice reaction time task

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the facilitating effects of physical exercise on the reaction process. Eleven participants with specific expertise in decision-making sports performed a choice reaction time task during moderate sub-maximal exercise (90% of their ventilatory threshold power). Participants were tested at rest and while cycling. During exercise, the participants were faster, without being more variable. We suggest that the effect of exercise on cognitive performance was due to a major generalized improvement of the whole distribution of response time and, although the benefit effect was small, it was consistent throughout the entire range of reaction times.     

体力活动对老年人认知功能影响的研究述评

随着社会进步,人类的平均寿命日益延长,老龄化问题已经凸显,关注老年人的生活质量是全世界需要面对的共同课题.认知功能作为老年人生活质量的重要预测因子之一,其与体力活动的关系已经成为锻炼心理学的热点研究领域之一.本文综述了体力活动对老年人认知功能影响及其机制的研究.在此基础上,提出该领域的后续研究还应深入探讨以下问题：（1）体力活动对老年人认知功能影响的剂量反应效应;（2）体力活动影响老年人认知功能的生理及心理机制.（3）其他练习形式对老年人认知功能的影响.（4）身体锻炼与其他形式的干预相结合的途径及效益.     

Patterns of locomotor regulation during the pole vault approach phase

A successful approach phase is key to achieving high performances in the pole vault. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of locomotor control patterns during the pole vault approach phase. Fourteen well-trained athletes performed ten jumps which were recorded using 2D video sampling at 200 Hz and analysed. Key kinematics were reconstructed from camera data using a modified 2D-DLT. Patterns of regulation were determined from the standard deviation of footfall locations during the approach phase. These patterns were found to be highly individual but structural differences between those who did and those who did not regulate were identified. Regulation of locomotion was associated with an ability to produce functionally adaptable movement patterns and the consistent achievement of desired performance outcomes. Coaches should include training exercises that require intentional use of regulation to aid athletes in achieving the flexibility to adapt to changing constraints during the approach phase. Athletes should be considered on an individual basis in order to effectively, efficiently and safely improve performance.     

Thoracoabdominal breathing motion pattern and coordination of professional ballet dancers

Ballet training includes exercises of high and moderate intensities, which require breathing control for a good performance. This study describes the thoracoabdominal motion of professional dancers and compares the breathing patterns between professional dancers and non-dancers. Participants of this study were four male and four female (30.33 ± 4.64 years) professional dancers and four male and four female (22.75 ± 1.49 years) non-dancers. The participants executed two breathing manoeuvres while sitting motionless: quiet breathing (QB) and vital capacity (VC). The 3D coordinates of 32 retro-reflective markers positioned on the trunk were used to calculate the volume of the superior thorax, inferior thorax and abdomen. Principal component analysis was applied in the volume variation of each trunk compartment to search for dominant independent variables in a breathing motion pattern. The correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the coordination between the compartments during the breathing manoeuvres. A predominance of the superior thorax or abdomen movement was found in both groups. The professional ballet dancers have an efficient breathing pattern and maintain the same breathing pattern in QB and VC manoeuvres. On the other hand, the non-dancers group showed relevant changes of the breathing pattern to respond to a greater breathing effort, like in VC.     

Cognitive enhancement: a comparative review of computerized and athletic training programs

Cognitive enhancement refers to any type of improvement in cognitive performance following targeted interventions. Cognitive training is a rapidly growing market with potential to further expand in the future. Several computerized software programs promoting cognitive enhancement have been developed in recent years, with controversial results and implications. Within the research field, advances have been made regarding our understanding of the benefits inherent to cognitive programs, mainly involving working memory mechanisms and videogame training paradigms. In a distinct literature, physical exercise has been shown to broadly enhance cognitive functions, in humans and animals. In this article, we bring together these two trends of research in a comparative review, leading the discussion to an emerging third approach: designed sports training. Specifically designed sports, which tax working memory and spatial ability by incorporating motion in three-dimensional space, are an optimal way to combine the benefits of traditional cognitive training and physical exercise into a single activity. We discuss these findings in the context of embodied cognition, and argue that sensorimotor learning in designed sports is a key mechanism linking training and cognitive enhancement.     

The effect of acute caffeine ingestion on upper body anaerobic exercise and cognitive performance

Abstract

The current study examined the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on mean and peak power production during upper body Wingate test (WANT) performance, rating of perceived exertion, readiness to invest effort and cognitive performance. Using a double-blind design, 12 males undertook upper body WANTs, following ingestion of caffeine (5?mg*kg^?1) or placebo. Pre-substance ingestion, 60?mins post substance ingestion and post exercise participants completed measures of readiness to invest physical and mental effort and cognitive performance. Peak power was significantly higher (P?=?.026), fatigue index greater (P?=?.02) and rating of perceived exertion lower (P?=?.025) in the presence of caffeine. Readiness to invest physical effort was also higher (P?=?.016) in the caffeine condition irrespective of time point (pre, 60?mins post ingestion and post exercise). Response accuracy for incongruent trials on the Flanker task was superior in the presence of caffeine (P?=?.006). There was a significant substance?×?time interaction for response speed in both congruent and incongruent conditions (both P?=?.001) whereby response speeds were faster at 60?mins post ingestion and post exercise in the caffeine condition, compared to placebo. This is the first study to examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on this modality of exercise and suggests that caffeine ingestion significantly enhances peak power, readiness to invest physical effort, and cognitive performance during WANT performance.     

Prospective bi-directional associations between sedentary time and physical activity with cognitive performance: a cohort study

This prospective study determined whether: (1) objective physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SED) time at 9 years was associated with cognition at 15 years, (2) cognition at 9 years was associated with PA and SED at 15 years, and (3) the change in PA and SED from 9 to 15 years was associated with the change in cognition. Cognitive performance was assessed from picture vocabulary, verbal analogy, passage comprehension, and applied problem tasks. Regression models were used to explore each aim while adjusting for covariates. Among the combined sample, SED (min· day^?1) at 9 years was unrelated with cognitive performance at 15 years, whereas participating in ≥ 60 min· day^?1 of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) at 9 years predicted lower cognitive scores at 15 years. In the reverse direction, cognitive performance at 9 years was unrelated with SED and MVPA (min· day^?1) at 15 years. Over 6 years, increased SED (min· day^?1) predicted lower improvement to verbal analogy scores (B = ?0.01, p = 0.028). In comparison, an increase (or relatively smaller decline) in MVPA (min· day^?1) predicted greater improvement in applied problem scores (B = 0.06, p = 0.007). Contextual information regarding SED and MVPA behavior would help understand bi-directional associations of activity and cognition.     

Thinking about your running movement makes you less efficient: attentional focus effects on running economy and kinematics

A number of studies have shown that attentional focus instructions can effect running economy. This study assessed spiroergometry, as well as running kinematics as a possible mechanism to explain these effects. Twelve runners had to focus their attention on either their running movement, their breathing or on a video while running on a treadmill at a set, submaximum speed. Spiroergometry and running kinematics were measured. Results revealed worse running economy in both internal focus conditions (breathing and movement) compared to the external focus condition (video), replicating previous findings. In addition, vertical oscillation during the running movement was elevated in the movement compared to the video condition, indicating a less efficient running style. No changes in kinematics were found for the breathing compared to the video condition. Therefore, consciously focusing on the running movement moves runners away from their optimised running pattern and leads to detriments in economy. The decreases in running economy in the breathing condition can be better explained by changes in breathing patterns.     

Coordination of hitting movement revealed in baseball tee-batting

Baseball batters must react to pitches delivered to different locations within the strike zone by modulating their movements. In tee-batting practice, such batters place a ball on a tee stand at a location, where they intend to hit the ball, assuming a particular pitch’s trajectory. In the present study, we analysed three-dimensional movements in tee-batting to identify characteristics of the batters’ intended impact locations across the strike zone, thereby investigating spatiotemporal features of movement modulation. More specifically, 10 experienced baseball batters performed tee-batting at their preferred impact locations at nine different heights and courses within the strike zone. The distribution of impact locations showed regularity, i.e., the location shifted forward for balls placed high and inside, while it shifted backward for balls placed low and outside. Furthermore, trunk and arm movements showed systematic modulation as the impact locations changed. The duration of bat movement was also location dependent, i.e., hitting the inside ball took more time than hitting the outside ball. Our results indicate that even though movements among body segments were properly coordinated to adjust the bat swing for different impact locations, fine timing adjustments were also required to hit the ball at those preferred impact locations and therefore properly react to differences in flight paths.