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Published on: September 11, 2017
Aerobic Exercise Improves Cortical Inhibitory Function After Stroke: A Preliminary Investigation.
Jacqueline A Palmer1, Alicen A Whitaker, Aiden M Payne
1Department of Neurology (J.A.P., S.A.B.), School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (J.A.P., S.A.B.), Fairway; Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training (A.A.W., B.L.B.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; Department of Psychology (A.M.P.), College of Arts and Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee; Department of Physical Therapy (D.S.R.), College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark; and Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (P.E.B.), College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Aerobic exercise improved inhibitory control after stroke, with higher blood lactate levels correlating with faster response inhibition. This suggests a potential therapeutic role for lactate in post-stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Aerobic exercise shows promise for enhancing neuroplasticity and cognitive executive function.
- The effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function post-stroke remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on inhibitory and facilitatory cognitive executive function after stroke.
- To examine electroencephalography (EEG) markers of cortical inhibition and facilitation.
- To explore relationships between cortical responses, blood lactate, and aerobic fitness.
Main Methods:
- Twelve individuals with chronic stroke underwent a 4-week aerobic exercise program.
- The Flanker task assessed response inhibition and facilitation using EEG and motor response times.
- Aerobic fitness (VO2peak) and blood lactate levels were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Response inhibition speed improved significantly after exercise, while facilitation remained unchanged.
- An association between earlier cortical N2 response and faster response inhibition was observed.
- Higher blood lactate levels during training correlated with faster response inhibition and earlier N2 responses.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic exercise demonstrates selective benefits for inhibitory control in the initial 4 weeks post-stroke.
- Blood lactate may play a therapeutic role in enhancing post-stroke inhibitory control.
