Author(s): AHMADI, S., FAIVRE, P., QUIRION, I., O’BRIEN, M., SÉNÉCHAL, M., DUPUY, O., BÉLANGER, M., MEKARI, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF SHERBROOKE: UNIVERSITE DE SHERBROOKE, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 663

INTRODUCTION:
The aging process is linked with various health challenges, including a decline in cognitive abilities primarily due to decreased cerebrovascular function. This decline is associated with an increased risk of impaired cerebral oxygenation, which is a key factor in cognitive health [1]. Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a protective measure against the age-related deterioration of cerebrovascular function, and studies have shown a positive correlation between higher PA levels and improved cognitive health [2]. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of physical training on cognitive performance and to explore how cerebral blood oxygenation changes, contribute to these effects.
METHODS:
Thirty-seven cognitively healthy older adults (age: 71.4 ± 6.3, 89% females) participated in a 10-week community-based PA intervention (at least 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous PA per week) study. Cognitive performance using computerized Stroop task (naming, inhibition, switching) was evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. During the Stroop task, a multi-channel fNIRS device (to measure relative changes in concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔO2Hb) in the brain) was used.
RESULTS:
Stroop task results showed improved reaction time for the naming (p=0.003) and switching (p=0.04) conditions. Total ΔO2Hb was greater post-intervention across all three conditions (all, p<0.001). When examining ΔO2Hb responses by general regions, we observed a significant interaction ‘Regions by Time’, and the areas demonstrating the greatest increase were generally the left side (all, p<0.01) and ventrolateral aspect (all, p<0.01). Among specific regions, ΔO2Hb was increased during the naming and switching conditions in the Left-Dorsolateral (both, p<0.001), Left-Ventrolateral (both, p<0.01), and Right-Ventrolateral (both, p<0.03).
CONCLUSION:
Our results confirm that physical training for an older adult community population improves cognitive and, specifically, executive performance. This improvement is accompanied by greater cerebral oxygenation of the left side and front part of the brain. The findings support the hypothesis that physical exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for cognitive health in older adults.

REFERENCES:
1. Burtscher J, Millet GP, Fresa M, Lanzi S, Mazzolai L, Pellegrin M. The link between impaired oxygen supply and cognitive decline in peripheral artery disease. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. Published online December 6, 2023.
2. España-Irla G, Gomes-Osman J, Cattaneo G, et al. Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular Risk, and Cognition Are Mediated by Structural Brain Health in Midlife. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10(18):e020688.