http://jap.physiology.org/content/early/2013/03/04/japplphysiol.01378.2012.short
Abstract
Regular physical activity is associated
with enhanced plasticity in the motor cortex but the effect of a single
session of
aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity is unknown. The
aim of this study was to compare corticospinal excitability and
plasticity
in the upper limb cortical representation following
a single session of lower limb cycling at either low or moderate
intensity,
or a control condition. We recruited 25 healthy
adults to take part in three experimental sessions. Cortical
excitability
was examined using transcranial magnetic
stimulation to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the right first
dorsal interosseus
(FDI) muscle. Levels of serum brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol were also assessed. Following
baseline
testing, participants cycled on a stationary bike
at a workload equivalent to 57% (low intensity, 30 mins) or 77%
age-predicted
maximal heart rate (moderate intensity, 15
minutes), or a seated control condition. Neuroplasticity within the
primary motor
cortex was examined using a continuous Theta Burst
Stimulation (cTBS) paradigm. We found that exercise did not alter
cortical
excitability. Following cTBS, there was a transient
inhibition of FDI MEPs during control and low intensity conditions but
this was only significantly different following the
low intensity state. Moderate intensity exercise alone increased serum
cortisol levels, but BDNF levels did not increase
across any condition. In summary, low intensity cycling promoted the
neuroplastic
response to cTBS within the motor cortex of healthy
adults. These findings suggest that light exercise has the potential to
enhance the effectiveness of motor learning or
recovery following brain damage.
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