Matura S, et al. – This analysis focused on the impacts of physical activity on human brain metabolism and grey matter (GM) volume in healthy aging. The findings from the present study suggested that choline might constitute a valid marker for an effect of aerobic exercise on cerebral metabolism in healthy aging.

Methods

• This is a randomised controlled assessor-blinded two-armed trial (n=53) to investigate exercise-induced neuroprotective and metabolic effects on the brain in cognitively healthy older adults.
• Members (age >65) were allocated to a 12-week individualised aerobic exercise programme intervention (n=29) or a 12-week waiting control group (n=24).
• The change in cerebral metabolism and its relationship to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as well as changes in GM volume were the main outcomes.

Results

• It was observed in the findings that cerebral choline concentrations remained stable after twelve weeks of aerobic exercise in the intervention group, whereas they increased in the waiting control group.
• No impact of training was seen on cerebral N-acetyl-aspartate concentrations, nor on markers of neuronal energy reserve or BDNF levels.
• No change in cortical GM volume in response to aerobic exercise was observed.
• The finding of stable choline concentrations in the intervention group over the three month period might show a neuroprotective effect of aerobic exercise.