Evidence from neuroimaging to explore brain plasticity in humans during an ultra-endurance burden

Abstract

Physical activity, likely through induction of neuroplasticity, is a promising intervention to promote brain health. In athletes it is clear that training can and does, by physiological adaptations, extend the frontiers of performance capacity. The limits of our endurance capacity lie deeply in the human brain, determined by various personal factors yet to be explored. The human brain, with its vast neural connections and its potential for seemingly endless behaviors, constitutes one of the final frontiers of medicine. In a recent study published in BMC Medicine, the TransEurope FootRace Project followed 10 ultra-endurance runners over around 4,500 km across Europe and recorded a large data collection of brain imaging scans. This study indicates that the cerebral atrophy amounting to a reduction of approximately 6% throughout the two months of the race is reversed upon follow-up. While this study will contribute to advances in the limits of human performance on the neurophysiological processes in sports scientists, it will also bring important understanding to clinicians about cerebral atrophy in people who are vulnerable to physical and psychological stress long term.See related research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/170

Structural brain differences between ultra-endurance athletes and sedentary persons

“…While bodily injuries during endurance races have been well documented, 5 the effects of ultra-endurance training on the brain have received less attention. 8 Ultra-endurance training acutely activates the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis 9 and ultra-endurance athletes have been shown to have chronic high levels of cortisol. 10 Interestingly, individuals with Cushing's disease, which is characterized by high levels of cortisol, show reduced grey matter (GM) 11 volume.…”