Key result
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with functional connectivity patterns in the right superior frontal gyrus and somatosensory network linked to higher fluid intelligence.
Why the study?
Is physical activity associated with functional human connectome differences and fluid intelligence in older adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=119)
Is physical activity associated with functional human connectome differences and fluid intelligence in older adults?
Greater functional integration within networks implementing top-down control and visuospatial abilities may promote cognitive reserve in physically active seniors.
MVPA-linked connectivity may support cognitive reserve in seniors; hypothesis-generating, needs longitudinal trials before practice implications.
The study examined resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MV-PA), sedentary time (ST), TV viewing, computer use, and their relationship to cognitive performance in older adults. We used pre-intervention data from 119 participants from the Fit & Active Seniors trial. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed two seeds associated with MV-PA: right superior frontal gyrus (SFG; spanning frontoparietal [FPN] and ventral attention networks [VAN]) and right precentral (PrG) and postcentral gyri (PoG) of the somatosensory network (SN). A positive correlation between the right SFG seed and a cluster spanning default mode (DMN), dorsal attention (DAN), FPN, and visual networks (VIS) was linked to higher fluid intelligence, as was FC between the right PrG/PoG seed and a cluster in VIS. No significant rs-FC patterns associated with ST, TV viewing, or computer use were found. Our findings suggest that greater functional integration within networks implementing top-down control and within those supporting visuospatial abilities, paired with segregation between networks critical and those not critical to top-down control, may help promote cognitive reserve in more physically active seniors.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pindus et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Older adults (n=119). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MV-PA) was evaluated on Resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and fluid intelligence. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with functional connectivity patterns in the right superior frontal gyrus and somatosensory network linked to higher fluid intelligence.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: