Neuroprotective Effects of Long-term Endurance Training on the Cortical Autonomic Network in the Aging Brain

Author

Torri A. Luchyshyn, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. J Kevin Shoemaker

Abstract

This study tested whether long-term endurance training in older adults (ET; n = 15, 55 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 50 ± 8 ml/kg/min) would alter cardiovagal control and preserve the cortical autonomic network compared to age-matched controls (CON; n = 15, 56 ± 4 years, relative VO₂max = 37 ± 9 ml/kg/min). The hypothesis predicts 1) altered deactivation patterns of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) in response to isometric hand grip (IHG) and 2) greater indices of cardiovagal control; a) increased baroreflex sensitivity at rest, b) greater heart rate change (ΔHR) and c) reductions in high frequency heart rate variability (ΔHF HRV) in the ET group. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to observe BOLD signal changes. There was no difference in measured indices of cardiovagal control between groups and both exhibited vMPFC deactivation with IHG. Overall, ET does not preserve cortical functional patterns in the older brain or enhance cardiovagal control compared to age-matched controls.

Recommended Citation

Luchyshyn, Torri A., "Neuroprotective Effects of Long-term Endurance Training on the Cortical Autonomic Network in the Aging Brain" (2012). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 891.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/891