Hippocampal plasticity in response to exercise in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced hippocampal volume, but it is unclear if this deficit is permanent.
• Exercise is known to stimulate hippocampal plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if aerobic exercise can increase hippocampal volume in humans.
• To determine if this exercise-induced increase is related to enhanced aerobic fitness.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving male patients with chronic schizophrenia and matched healthy subjects.
• Participants engaged in 3 months of aerobic exercise (cycling) or a control activity (table football).
• Hippocampal volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, with secondary measures including spectroscopy, neuropsychological tests, and clinical assessments.

Main Results:

• Aerobic exercise led to a significant increase in relative hippocampal volume in both schizophrenia patients (12%) and healthy subjects (16%).
• Changes in hippocampal volume correlated with improvements in aerobic fitness (maximum oxygen consumption).
• In schizophrenia patients who exercised, increased hippocampal volume was associated with improved short-term memory and increased N-acetylaspartate to creatine ratio.

Conclusions:

• Hippocampal volume is adaptable in response to aerobic exercise in both healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia.
• Aerobic exercise represents a potential intervention to promote hippocampal plasticity and cognitive function in schizophrenia.