Does the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Modulate the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognition?

The Val66Met is a polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that encodes a substitution of a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) amino acid. Carrying this polymorphism reduces the activity-dependent secretion of the BDNF protein, which can potentially affect brain plasticity and cognition. We reviewed the biology of Val66Met and surveyed 26 studies (11,417 participants) that examined the role of this polymorphism in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity (PA) and exercise. Nine observational studies confirmed a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to PA but differences between Val and Met carriers were inconsistent and only significant in some cognitive domains. Only five interventional studies found a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to exercise, which was also inconsistent in its direction. Two studies showed a superior cognitive response in Val carriers and three studies showed a better response in Met carriers. These results do not support a general and consistent effect of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to PA or exercise. Both Val and Met carriers can improve specific aspects of cognition by increasing PA and engaging in exercise. Causes for discrepancies among studies, effect moderators, and future directions are discussed.

The effects of exercise on sleep quality in persons with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the evidence in support of exercise to improve sleep quality assessed subjectively and objectively in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Standardized mean differences (SMD) comparing the effects of exercise and control interventions on sleep quality with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Data from 10 randomized and 2 non-randomized controlled trials, including a total of 690 persons with PD were included. Exercise had a significant positive effect on sleep quality assessed subjectively (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.16-0.90; p = 0.005). However, the methodological quality of the studies showing positive effects on sleep quality was significantly poorer than the studies showing no effects. Only one study assessed the impact of exercise on objective sleep quality, showing improvements in sleep efficiency assessed with polysomnography (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.38-1.50; p = 0.001). Exercise performed at moderate to maximal intensities (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.05-0.87; p = 0.03) had significant effects on subjective sleep quality. In contrast, exercise performed at mild to moderate intensities showed non-significant effects (SMD = 0.76; 95% CI = -0.24-1.76; p = 0.14). These results support the use of exercise to improve sleep quality in persons with PD and reinforce the importance of achieving vigorous exercise intensities. Biases, limitations, practice points and directions for future research are discussed.

Effects of old age on fatigability and sensorimotor characteristics of a repetitive upper limb fatiguing task.

OBJECTIVES: 1) Determine the effects of old age on sensorimotor responses to a fatiguing work-like task. 2) Explore how old age influences the relationships between task fatigability, everyday perceptions of fatigability, and sensorimotor function. METHODS: Healthy young (N = 17, 9W) and older (N = 13, 10W) adults completed the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale to assess everyday perceptions of physical (PF) and mental fatigability and performed a repetitive tapping task to fatigue. Before and after the task, grip strength was assessed using a hand-grip dynamometer and touch-pressure sensitivity was measured (shoulder, hand) using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. RESULTS: Older, but not young adults, had increased touch-pressure sensitivity at the shoulder after fatigue (interaction, p = 0.007). No changes in grip strength were observed (p>0.05). Task fatigability was not different between young and old adults (p>0.05). Having less task fatigability was associated with lower PF, higher grip strength, and higher touch-pressure sensitivity at the hand (ρ = 0.37-0.58, p<0.05), with the hand sensation association also observed in the old adult subgroup (ρ = 0.56, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: With old age, there were fatigue-related alterations to sensory but not physical function. While task fatigability was associated with perceptual, physical, and sensory features, sensory features appear to have a more important role with old age.

Age-Dependent Control of Shoulder Muscles During a Reach-and-Lift Task.

Aging affects fatigability and is a risk factor for incurring a fatigue-related injury in the neck/shoulder region. Age-related changes in the electromyographical features of motor control may be partly responsible. Young (N = 17) and older (N = 13) adults completed a reach-and-lift task at their self-selected speed, before and after a fatiguing task targeting the neck/shoulder. Electromyography amplitude (root mean square), amplitude variability (root mean square coefficient of variation [CV]), functional connectivity (normalized mutual information [NMI]), and functional connectivity variability (NMI CV) were extracted from several muscles and analyzed for effects and interactions of age using general estimating equation models. Root mean square CV and deltoid NMI CV increased from pre- to postfatigue (ps < .05). Upper trapezius-deltoid NMI decreased for young, but increased for older adults, while the opposite response was found for lower trapezius-deltoid NMI (ps < .05). Older adults seem to adapt to fatigue in reach-and-lift movement with a cranial shift in control of the scapula.