Triathletes are experts in self-regulating physical activity - But what about self-regulating neural activity?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Regular physical activity is known to improve cognitive functions and self-regulation of behavior.
• The impact of exercise on the brain's ability to self-regulate neural activity remains less understood.
• Investigating self-regulation of brain activity in individuals with high levels of physical training is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if regular exercise enhances the ability to self-regulate brain activity.
• To compare neurofeedback training outcomes between regular exercisers (triathletes) and a control group.
• To explore structural brain differences associated with regular exercise that may underlie self-regulation abilities.

Main Methods:

• A neurofeedback study involving 26 triathletes and 25 sedentary controls.
• Participants underwent sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) upregulation neurofeedback or sham training.
• Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess brain structure differences.

Main Results:

• Both triathletes and controls could upregulate SMR activity with real neurofeedback.
• Triathletes demonstrated a more pronounced SMR increase during training compared to controls.
• Triathletes exhibited larger gray and white matter volumes in the inferior frontal gyrus and insula.

Conclusions:

• Regular exercise, exemplified by triathletes, appears to enhance the capacity for self-regulation of brain activity.
• Structural brain differences in regions associated with cognitive control are observed in triathletes.
• Findings suggest potential applications of neurofeedback for individuals engaged in regular physical activity.