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Strength exercise weakens aerobic exercise-induced cognitive improvements in rats
Yongsheng Lan1, Zhaoyuan Huang1, Yanjie Jiang1
1College of Physical Education, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
Plos One
|October 11, 2018
Summary
Aerobic exercise boosts cognitive function and brain cell growth. However, adding strength training, especially at high intensities, can reduce these benefits in rats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Aerobic exercise is known to enhance cognitive function and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
- The combined effects of aerobic and strength exercise on these processes remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of combined aerobic and strength exercise on cognitive function and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a rat model.
- To determine if exercise intensity influences these combined effects.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to distinct exercise paradigms: aerobic exercise alone, and combined aerobic exercise with low- or high-intensity strength exercise.
- Cognitive functions, specifically spatial learning and memory, were assessed.
- Adult hippocampal neurogenesis was evaluated.
- Levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA were measured.
Main Results:
- Aerobic exercise alone improved spatial learning, memory, and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Strength exercise, particularly at high intensity, attenuated the cognitive and neurogenic benefits of aerobic exercise in an intensity-dependent manner.
- Combined exercise paradigms resulted in decreased levels of β-HB and BDNF mRNA compared to aerobic exercise alone.
Conclusions:
- Strength exercise can counteract the positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
- The intensity of strength exercise plays a crucial role in modulating these outcomes.
- These findings suggest careful consideration of exercise programming when aiming to optimize cognitive health.
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