Format:
1 Online-Ressource (8 Seiten)
ISSN:
1662-5161
,
1662-5161
Content:
Neural specificity refers to the degree to which neural representations of different stimuli
can be distinguished. Evidence suggests that neural specificity, operationally defined as
stimulus-related differences in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation
patterns, declines with advancing adult age, and that individual differences in neural
specificity are associated with individual differences in fluid intelligence. A growing body
of literature also suggests that regular physical activity may help preserve cognitive
abilities in old age. Based on this literature, we hypothesized that exercise-induced
improvements in fitness would be associated with greater neural specificity among older
adults. A total of 52 adults aged 59–74 years were randomly assigned to one of two
aerobic-fitness training regimens, which differed in intensity. Participants in both groups
trained three times a week on stationary bicycles. In the low-intensity (LI) group, the
resistance was kept constant at a low level (10 Watts). In the high-intensity (HI) group,
the resistance depended on participants’ heart rate and therefore typically increased
with increasing fitness. Before and after the 6-month training phase, participants took
part in a functional MRI experiment in which they viewed pictures of faces and buildings.
We used multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to estimate the distinctiveness of neural
activation patterns in ventral visual cortex (VVC) evoked by face or building stimuli.
Fitness was also assessed before and after training. In line with our hypothesis, traininginduced
changes in fitness were positively associated with changes in neural specificity.
We conclude that physical activity may protect against age-related declines in neural
specificity.
Note:
Nachgenutzt gemäß den CC-Bestimmungen des Lizenzgebers bzw. einer im Dokument selbst enthaltenen CC-Lizenz.
In:
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11,2017,123, 1662-5161
Language:
English
URN:
urn:nbn:de:kobv:11-110-18452/19469-2
URL:
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