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Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans.

Stanley J Colcombe¹, Kirk I Erickson, Paige E Scalf

¹Beckman Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences

|December 15, 2006

Summary

Aerobic fitness training increased gray and white matter brain volume in older adults, suggesting cardiovascular fitness helps preserve brain tissue and cognitive function.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gerontology
Exercise Physiology

Background:

Age-related cognitive decline is linked to changes in brain structure.
The impact of aerobic fitness on brain volume in older adults requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if aerobic fitness training can increase brain volume in older adults.
To examine brain structure changes in regions susceptible to age-related decline.

Main Methods:

A 6-month randomized clinical trial involving 59 sedentary older adults (60-79 years).
Participants were assigned to either aerobic training or a toning/stretching control group.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessed gray and white matter volume before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

Aerobic training significantly increased gray and white matter brain volume in older adults.
No significant brain volume changes were observed in the control group or in young adult MRI controls.
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured to assess fitness levels.

Conclusions:

Cardiovascular fitness is associated with the preservation of brain tissue in aging.
Aerobic fitness plays a role in maintaining central nervous system health and cognitive function in older adults.