1. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM AEROBIC CYCLING EXERCISE ON FUNCTIONAL MEASURES OF AGING RELATED CHANGES IN UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION
Keith M. McGregor1,2, Joe Nocera1,2, Bruce Crosson1,2, Andy J. Butler1,3
1 Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VAMC, 2 Emory University Department of Neurology, 3 Georgia State University Department of Physical Therapy: This poster is available on the Web at
Background
Methods
Participant Characteristics
Cycling Exercise Program: 3X weekly supervised sessions progressing from 20 minutes to 45 minutes (36 total sessions over 12 weeks); Heart rate continuously monitored and maintained at 75% - 85% of AHA maximum age- related recommendations (HR: 220-age)
Stretching Program: 3X weekly supervised sessions progressing from 20 minutes to 45 minutes (36 total sessions over 12 weeks); Anaerobic strength and balance training using isokinetic movements; Heart rate continuously monitored and maintained at <50% AHA max; Focus on balance maintenance for fall prevention
TMS: MagVenture X100 and R30 Models with MagOption; B-60 butterfly coils; BrainSight 2.0 Neuronavigation software
Ipsilateral silent period (iSP) assessment in first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) of left hand with stimulation of left primary motor area -Stimulation at 150% of RMT during contraction of FDI at 50% MVC
Paired Pulse Interhemispheric Inhibition (IHI40) assessment: Conditioning coil at 150% RMT and Test coil at 120% RMT with 40 ms delay
Aging has been shown to decrease levels of interhemispheric inhibition during unimanual task manipulation (McGregor et al., 2011, 2013; Riecker et al., 2006; Sale & Semmler, 2005)
Aerobic Exercise has been shown to improve upper extremity motor function (Spirduso, 1975, 1978) though the neural mechanisms underlying this improvement are not well known. Recent evidence has indicated that aerobic exercise may increase interhemispheric inhibition in primary motor areas though this data is largely cross-sectional (McGregor et al., 2011; 2013; see also Voelcker-Rehage et al., 2013).
The present study is an intervention to examine the effects of short-term aerobic exercise (cycling) on measures of interhemispheric communication thought to be altered by sedentary aging. We hypothesize that individuals who complete the aerobic program will show improved motor performance with concomitant changes in interhemispheric inhibition.
Baseline
12-week Cycling
12-week Stretching
Age
66.3 (6.24) [60-80]
65.3 (5.2) [60-72]
67.6 (4.46) [64-80]
N/Gender
10 / 4 Female
5 / 2 Female
4 / 2 Female
Education
15.4 (3.85) [12-20]
14.8 (3.07) [12-20]
14.6 (3.62) [13-20]
V02max†
23.2 (8.5)
28.3 (4.8) ^*
23.5 (8.1)
Weekly Activity+
35 (22.5)
145 (52.2) ^*
65.5 (38.6) *
BMI
28.3 (6.8)
28.6 (6.3)
28.5 (7.2)
† - Estimated Volume of Oxygen Consumption as assessed by the YMCA submaximal cycling test + - In minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity;
Conclusions
TMS iSP
TMS IHI40
Upper Extremity Motor Performance
Preliminary analysis indicates just 12 weeks of an aerobic intervention may change levels of interhemispheric inhibition.
Aerobic cycling improved upper extremity motor peformance. It has yet to be determined if changes in interhemispheric inhibition is directly associated with changes in motor performance.
A consistent aerobic activity regimen may decrease loss of interhemispheric inhibition associated with aging
Baseline
12 week Cycling
12 week Stretching
Pinch Grip (lbs)
11.4 (5.7)
12.1 (4.2)
12.3 (5.6)
Hand Grip (lbs)
65.1 (19.3)
67.8 (14.7)
64.1 (18.4)
Halstead Tapper
49 (9.4)*
54.2 (6.5)*
47.8 (5.3)
Purdue Pegboard1
12.1 (3.8)
13.1 (4.1)
11.8 (3.6)
Purdue Pegboard2
6.33 (1.9)*
7.67 (1.3)*
6.67 (1.2)
9-Hole Pegboard
19.3 (4.3)*
17.1 (3.1)*
19.8 (2.7)
Reaction Time
296 (37.3)*
281 (30.3)*
322 (40.1)
C/U Difference **
3.5 (0.8)
4.9 (.6)
3.9 (.4)
Coin Rotation Task
14.1 (2.5)*
12.12 (3.4)*
13.8 (4.2)
Dual task rotation^
-2.8 (3.1)*
- 1.2 (2.1)*
-3.1 (1.7)
Milliseconds
Percent Reduction
Pre/Post Change Plots
Statements
The contents do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. This work was supported by a Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation R&D Center of Excellence #F2182C, Career Development-2 Awards (KMM & JN) and Senior Research Career Scientist (BC) awards.
** Crossed Uncrossed Difference Task (Poffenberger) ^ - Dual task rotation is a bimanual task measuring change in coin rotation speed during pinch squeeze with opposite hand
Cycle
Stretch