Key result
Marathon running significantly reduced alpha-2 (log-F-ratio -0.705) and delta (log-F-ratio -0.699) frequency band power in frontal cortical areas 1-6 days post-marathon compared to baseline.
Why the study?
Physical activity benefits health and neuronal function, but exceeding certain exercise frequency and duration is associated with negative effects, prompting investigation of excessive and regular physical activity on electrocortical activity.
Does strenuous and prolonged physical activity (marathon running) alter resting-state electrocortical activity in healthy adults?
Observational (n=30)
No
Does strenuous and prolonged physical activity (marathon running) alter resting-state electrocortical activity in healthy adults?
Effect estimate: log-F-ratio -0.705
p-value: p=<0.05
Strenuous and prolonged physical activity such as marathon running induces subacute, transient reductions in alpha-2 and delta EEG power in frontal cortical areas, suggesting temporary counterregulatory neuroplasticity mechanisms.
Abstract Physical activity (PA) has positive effects on various health aspects and neuronal functions, including neuronal plasticity. Exceeding a certain exercise frequency and duration has been associated with negative effects. Our study investigated the effects of excessive PA with a marathon run (MA) and regular PA (training and recovery phases) on electrocortical activity, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG). 30 healthy marathon runners (26 male, 45 ± 9 yrs) were enrolled in the study. Four resting-state 32 channel EEG recordings were conducted: 12 − 8 weeks before MA (T-1), 14 − 4 days prior to MA (T0), 1–6 days after (T2), and 13–15 weeks after MA (T3). Power spectrum analyses were conducted using standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA) and included the following frequency bands: delta (1.5-6 Hz), theta (6.5-8.0 Hz), alpha1 (8.5–10 Hz), alpha2 (10.5–12.0 Hz), beta1 (12.5–18.0 Hz), beta2 (18.5–21.0 Hz), beta3 (21.5–30.0 Hz), and total power (1.5-30Hz). Statistical non-parametric mapping showed reduced power both in the alpha-2 (log-F-ratio= -0.705, threshold log-F-ratio = ± 0.685, p < 0.05) and in the delta frequency band (log-F-ratio= -0.699, threshold log-F-ratio = ± 0.685, p < 0.05) in frontal cortical areas after MA (T2 vs. T0). These effects diminished at long-term follow-up (T3). The results can be interpreted as correlates for subacute neuroplasticity induced by strenuous and prolonged PA. While previous studies reported an increase in alpha frequency during and directly postexercise, the adverse observation a few days after exercise cessation suggests counterregulatory mechanisms, whose complex origin can be suspected in subcortical circuits, changes in neurotransmitter systems and modulation of affectivity.
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Moussiopoulou et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Healthy adults (n=30). Marathon running vs. Pre-marathon baseline was evaluated on Resting-state EEG activity (power spectrum changes in frequency bands) (log-F-ratio -0.705, p=<0.05). Marathon running significantly reduced alpha-2 (log-F-ratio -0.705) and delta (log-F-ratio -0.699) frequency band power in frontal cortical areas 1-6 days post-marathon compared to baseline.
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