Cortical neural arousal is differentially affected by type of physical exercise performed

Abstract

Critical flicker frequency (CFF) threshold is a visual discrimination task designed to assess cortical neural arousal, where higher values are associated with increased information processing and improved cognitive function. Previous studies using CFF assessments before and after exercise have only used one type of exercise (e.g., short, fatiguing, steady state, time to exhaustion, etc.). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise type and intensity on neural arousal. 22 recreational runners (10 men, 12 women; age 25 ± 6 years) volunteered to participate in the study. They completed a VO test (short, fatiguing trial), and three 30-min treadmill runs (longer, steady-state trials) at rating of perceived exertion (RPE) levels of 13, 15, and 17. Before and after each exercise test, subjects were asked to complete the CFF test; M and M were calculated, which are the average and difference of the ascending/descending frequency trials, respectively. There were no main effects found for either intensity (p = 0.641) or time (p = 0.283); there was, however, a significant interaction found (intensity*time; p = 0.001). In the VO test and in the longer, steady-state runs at RPE13 and 15, there was no change in M. There was a significant increase in M after the run at RPE17 (p = 0.019). For M, the VO test elicited a significant decrease (p = 0.005), but there was no change after the steady-state runs. The results suggest that short, fatiguing and longer, steady-state exercise affect cortical neural arousal differently. Increases in arousal, and perhaps the related domain of information processing, are more likely to come from steady-state exercise at a vigorous intensity.

The effect of acute, moderate intensity indoor cycling on the temporal resolution of human vision system, measured by critical fusion frequency

“…Last, a comparison of the observed changes in CFF in rest and training sessions between VHs will be discussed to answer the question of whether the observed changes differed between upper and lower, as well as between left and right VHs. Many studies have presented alterations of cognitive processes due to acute physical exercise (Davranche & Audiffren, 2004;Davranche & Pichon, 2005;Hanson et al, 2018;Krebs et al, 1989;Lambourne & Tomporowski, 2010). CFF increase is regarded as an increase in cortical arousal, sensory responsiveness, information processing or executive functions, while CFF decrease is an indicator of a reduction of the efficiency of the system to process information (Davranche & Pichon, 2005).…”

“…CFF increase is regarded as an increase in cortical arousal, sensory responsiveness, information processing or executive functions, while CFF decrease is an indicator of a reduction of the efficiency of the system to process information (Davranche & Pichon, 2005). However, a discrepancy in the obtained results due to a wide spectrum of types, length, intensity, and modality of exercise used in these studies, as well as other factors, like initial fitness level has been discussed in the literature (Hanson et al, 2018;Simonson & Brozek, 1952). This discrepancy makes it difficult to compare the results, and more importantly, draw long-term conclusions.…”

“…There are several mechanisms operating on a hormonal and vascular level, which have been suggested for exercise-related improvement in the processing of visual stimuli, such as neurogenesis and synaptogenesis through increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, augmented neurotransmitter levels and effectiveness, peripheral mechanisms, including the release and transport of circulating catecholamines, an increase in cerebral blood flow, and stimulation of the neuroendocrine system by the modulation of the sympathoadrenal system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (Al-Nimer & Al-Kurashy, 2007;Balestra et al, 2018;Hanson et al, 2018;Simonson & Brozek, 1952).…”

Effect of Volume in Resistance Training on Inhibitory Control in Young Adults: A Randomized and Crossover Investigation

“…In fact, aging is associated with reduced cognitive function ( Zheng et al, 2016 ). On the other hand, as much as cognitive function is improved, information is processed faster and more accurate ( Hanson et al, 2018 ). Interestingly, young adults with low levels of weekly physical activity present less cognitive function scores when compared to the active ones (sports or other physical exercise) ( Verburgh et al, 2014 ).…”

Frequency of resistance training does not affect inhibitory control or improve strength in well-trained young adults

“…Cognitive function is composed of attention, memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility [ 1 ]. Improved cognitive function is thought to result in faster and more accurate information processing, and a delay in cerebral aging [ 2 ]. Further, research indicates that young adults with low levels of physical activity present lower cognitive function scores when compared to active individuals (i.e., those participating in sports or regular exercise) [ 1 ].…”