One-year aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow in cognitively normal older adults

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2023 Mar;43(3):404-418. doi: 10.1177/0271678X221133861. Epub 2022 Oct 16.

Abstract

The impact of aerobic exercise training (AET) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation remains inconclusive. This study investigated the effects of one-year progressive, moderate-to-vigorous AET on CBF, central arterial stiffness, and cognitive performance in cognitively normal older adults. Seventy-three older adults were randomly assigned to AET or stretching-and-toning (SAT, active control) intervention. CBF was measured with 2D duplex ultrasonography. Central arterial stiffness, measured by carotid β-stiffness index, was assessed with the ultrasonography and applanation tonometry. Cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by CBF. A cognitive battery was administered with a focus on memory and executive function. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak). One-year AET increased V˙O2peak and CBF and decreased CVR and carotid β-stiffness index. In the AET group, improved V˙O2peak was correlated with increased CBF (r = 0.621, p = 0.001) and decreased CVR (r = -0.412, p = 0.037) and carotid β-stiffness index (r = -0.478, p = 0.011). Further, increased Woodcock-Johnson recall score was associated with decreased CVR (r = -0.483, p = 0.012) and carotid β-stiffness index (r = -0.498, p = 0.008) in AET group (not in SAT group). In conclusion, one-year progressive, moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise training increased CBF and decreased carotid arterial stiffness and CVR which were associated with improved memory function in cognitively normal older adults.

Keywords: Exercise training; central arterial stiffness; cerebral blood flow; neurocognitive function; older adults.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arterial Pressure
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Exercise* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Vascular Stiffness* / physiology