Changes in Functional Connectivity Between Default Mode Network and Attention Network in Response to Changes in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Aerobic exercise influences brain activity, particularly within the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN).
• Understanding the intensity-dependent effects of exercise on functional connectivity (FC) within these networks is crucial for optimizing cognitive performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise on functional connectivity (FC) within the DMN and DAN.
• To test the hypothesis that moderate-intensity exercise maximally activates these brain networks and enhances cognitive functions.

Main Methods:

• 15 healthy male volunteers underwent resting-state fMRI scans and visuospatial attention tests.
• Scans and tests were performed before and after 10-minute sessions of moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise.

Main Results:

• Attention test performance declined with increasing exercise intensity.
• FC within the DMN was higher after high-intensity exercise compared to pre-exercise and moderate-intensity conditions.
• FC within the DAN was highest under moderate-intensity exercise, while FC between DMN and DAN was lowest.

Conclusions:

• Results support the inverted-U hypothesis, suggesting moderate exercise optimizes arousal and cognitive function.
• Both attention systems and brain activity domains appear to benefit more from moderate-intensity exercise than high-intensity exercise.