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Swimming-related effects on cerebrovascular and cognitive function
Leena N Shoemaker1,2,3, Luke C Wilson2, Samuel J E Lucas4,5,6
1School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Physiological Reports
|October 23, 2019
Summary
Swimming enhances blood flow to the brain and improves cognitive function. This study found that posture and CO2 retention during swimming significantly increased mean middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAvmean), while water immersion and motor activity had minimal effects.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Acute and regular exercise impact vascular and cognitive functions.
- Upright aquatic exercise is linked to improved cerebrovascular adaptations.
- Cerebrovascular effects of swimming, specifically MCAvmean, remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cerebrovascular and cognitive effects of swimming.
- To delineate the specific factors contributing to swimming-induced changes in MCAvmean, including posture, immersion, CO2 retention, and motor involvement.
- To compare MCAvmean between swimmers and land-based athletes.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of MCAvmean and end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) were recorded during various swimming conditions.
- Participants completed cognitive tasks to assess cognitive function.
- Four experimental conditions were used to isolate the effects of posture, immersion, PETCO2, and motor activity.
Main Results:
- Prone posture and water immersion (when upright) increased MCAvmean.
- Increased PETCO2 during swimming significantly elevated MCAvmean, independent of motor activity.
- Swimming improved visuomotor performance by 4%, irrespective of athlete group.
- Swimmers exhibited lower resting MCAvmean compared to land-based athletes.
Conclusions:
- Breast-stroke swimming enhances MCAvmean primarily through postural and PETCO2 effects.
- Water immersion and motor activity contribute minimally to swimming-induced MCAvmean increases.
- Acute swimming exercise demonstrably improves cognitive function, particularly visuomotor performance.
- Further research is warranted to explore the chronic impacts of swimming on cerebrovascular health and cognition, especially in aging populations.
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