A single bout of aerobic exercise does not alter inhibitory control preparatory set cerebral hemodynamics: Evidence from the antisaccade task.

A single bout of exercise improves executive function (EF) and is a benefit - in part -attributed to an exercise-mediated increase in cerebral blood flow enhancing neural efficiency. Limited work has used an event-related protocol to examine postexercise changes in preparatory phase cerebral hemodynamics for an EF task. This is salient given the neural efficiency hypothesis' assertion that improved EF is related to decreased brain activity. Here, event-related transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure pro- (saccade to target) and antisaccades (saccade mirror-symmetrical target) preparatory phase middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) prior to and immediately after 15-min of aerobic exercise. Antisaccades produced longer reaction times (RT) and an increased preparatory phase MCAv than prosaccades - a result attributed to greater EF neural activity for antisaccades. Antisaccades selectively produced a postexercise RT reduction (ps < 0.01); however, antisaccade preparatory phase MCAv did not vary from pre- to postexercise (p=0.53) and did not correlate with the antisaccade RT benefit (p = 0.31). Accordingly, results provide no evidence that improved neural efficiency indexed via functional hyperemia is linked to a postexercise EF behavioural benefit. Instead, results support an evolving view that an EF benefit represents the additive interplay between interdependent exercise-mediated neurophysiological changes.

Is adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines associated with greater academic-related outcomes in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence for the association of adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines with academic-related outcomes in children and adolescents. This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, WOS, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE were searched from their inception to 12 December 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. In total, 4326 records were identified through database searches; 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. There were eight cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies; the main academic-related outcomes were academic achievement and cognitive function. A small association between adherence to all three recommendations and academic achievement (k = 5, r = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.10-0.24, I2 = 49%) was found compared to those who did not adhere to any recommendations.   Conclusion: Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis reveal a small association between adherence to all three recommendations and greater academic achievement in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, it is imperative to underscore the need for more studies to establish robust evidence underpinning this relationship.   Trial registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021295403). What is Known: • Regular physical activity, reduced screen time, and optimal sleep duration are independently associated with improved academic-related outcomes in children and adolescents. • The associations between adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines and academic-related outcomes in children and adolescents have not been quantitatively synthesised. What is New: • There is a small but positive association between adherence to all three recommendations of the 24-h movement guidelines and greater academic achievement in children and adolescents. • Further well-designed research is needed to focus on academic achievement, cognitive function and classroom behaviours in young individuals.

Comparative efficacy of various hypoxic training paradigms on maximal oxygen consumption: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Enhancement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) induced by hypoxic training is important for both athletes and non-athletes. However, the lack of comparison of multiple paradigms and the exploration of related modulating factors leads to the inability to recommend the optimal regimen in different situations. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of seven common hypoxic training paradigms on VO2max and associated moderators. Methods: Electronic (i.e., five databases) and manual searches were performed, and 42 studies involving 1246 healthy adults were included. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted to compare different hypoxic training paradigms and hypoxic training and control conditions. The Bayesian network meta-analysis model was applied to calculate the standardised mean differences (SMDs) of pre-post VO2max alteration among hypoxic training paradigms in overall, athlete, and non-athlete populations, while meta-regression analyses were employed to explore the relationships between covariates and SMDs. Results: All seven hypoxic training paradigms were effective to varying degrees, with SMDs ranging from 1.45 to 7.10. Intermittent hypoxia interval training (IHIT) had the highest probability of being the most efficient hypoxic training paradigm in the overall population and athlete subgroup (42%, 44%), whereas intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) was the most promising hypoxic training paradigm among non-athletes (66%). Meta-regression analysis revealed that saturation hours (coefficient, 0.004; P = 0.038; 95% CI [0.0002, 0.0085]) accounted for variations of VO2max improvement induced by IHT. Conclusion: Efficient hypoxic training paradigms for VO2max gains differed between athletes and non-athletes, with IHIT ranking best for athletes and IHT for non-athletes. The practicability of saturation hours is confirmed with respect to dose-response issues in the future hypoxic training and associated scientific research. Registration: This study was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42022333548).

Resistance training reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms in older women: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) on depressive and anxiety symptomsand examine the possible consequences of age, cognitive alterations, and muscular strength on such symptoms.Method: Forty-one older women (68 ± 8 years) composed a training group (TG) or a control group (CG). The TG was submitted to a supervised, progressive RT program over 12 weeks, involving eight whole-body exercises performed with three sets of 8-12 repetitions, three days per week, whereas CG remains with no intervention for the same period. Muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MoCA; Verbal Fluency Tests), depression (15-item eriatric Depression Scale - GDS-15), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory - BAI) were assessed before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: There were observed significant (P < 0.001) RT-induced improvements on total muscular strength (TG: pre = 122.4 ± 24.1/post = 134.3 ± 36.7; CG: pre = 105.4 ± 15.4/post = 99.2 ± 17.1) and MoCA (TG: pre =21.7 ± 4.5/post = 22.5 ± 4.7; CG: pre = 20.3 ± 3.7/post = 19.3 ± 4.1). Depressive and anxiety symptoms (even when adjusted by chronological age and changes in muscular strength or cognitive function) were reduced with RT according to GDS-15 (TG: pre = 2.26 ± 1.53/post = 1.92 ± 1.68; CG: pre =2.68 ± 1.13/post = 2.25 ± 1.18) and BAI (TG: pre = 4.07 ± 5.68/post = 2.33 ± 3.71; CG: pre = 5.18 ± 7.70/post = 9.81 ± 7.10). The time x group interactions were significant for depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a 12-week RT program reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms, regardless of age, muscular strength, and cognition function in older women.

Relationship between adverse childhood experiences and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents: The role of self-compassion and social support.

Previous studies have revealed that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) create a significant and lasting effect of increased anxiety. However, few studies have examined the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of self-compassion and moderating role of social support in ACEs-anxiety relationship among Chinese adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 1,764 middle school students completed questionnaires measuring their levels of ACEs, anxiety, self-compassion (SC), and social support. Correlations of variables were computed using Pearson's r. Mediation and moderated mediation models were tested using PROCESS macro with the regression bootstrapping method. After covariates (age and gender) were controlled, results showed that: (1) ACEs were positively associated with anxiety symptoms; (2) self-compassion partially mediated the ACEs-anxiety association; (3) both ACEs-anxiety and SC-anxiety relationships were moderated by social support. Specifically, social support was associated with lower anxiety, particularly among students with fewer ACEs or lower level of self-compassion. Reducing possible adversities existing in environment may help to reduce risk of anxiety for adolescents. Cultivating self-compassion is crucial for adolescents' mental health, since it may play a role in ACEs-anxiety relationship. Social support would operate as a buffer to ACEs in the relation with anxiety, under the circumstances of mild adversities, and a promoter to self-compassion in the relation with anxiety, under the circumstances of low self-compassion.

Common abnormality of gray matter integrity in substance use disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A comparative voxel-based meta-analysis.

The objective of the current study is to determine robust transdiagnostic brain structural markers for compulsivity by capitalizing on the increasing number of case-control studies examining gray matter volume (GMV) alterations in substance use disorders (SUD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Voxel-based meta-analysis within the individual disorders and conjunction analysis were employed to reveal common GMV alterations between SUDs and OCD. Meta-analytic coordinates and signed brain volumetric maps determining directed (reduced/increased) GMV alterations between the disorder groups and controls served as the primary outcome. The separate meta-analysis demonstrated that SUD and OCD patients exhibited widespread GMV reductions in frontocortical regions including prefrontal, cingulate, and insular. Conjunction analysis revealed that the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) consistently exhibited decreased GMV across all disorders. Functional characterization suggests that the IFG represents a core hub in the cognitive control network and exhibits bidirectional (Granger) causal interactions with the striatum. Only OCD showed increased GMV in the dorsal striatum with higher changes being associated with more severe OCD symptomatology. Together the findings demonstrate robustly decreased GMV across the disorders in the left IFG, suggesting a transdiagnostic brain structural marker. The functional characterization as a key hub in the cognitive control network and casual interactions with the striatum suggest that deficits in inhibitory control mechanisms may promote compulsivity and loss of control that characterize both disorders.

Interval training causes the same exercise enjoyment as moderate-intensity training to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in young Chinese women with elevated BMI.

This study examined the effects of 12 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak), body composition and physical activity enjoyment in overweight young women. Sixty-six participants (age 21.2 ± 1.4 years, body mass index (BMI) 26.0 ± 3.0 kg·m-2, body fat percentage 39.0 ± 2.8%) were randomly assigned to non-exercise control (CON), thrice-weekly SIT (80 × 6 s "all-out" cycling interspersed with 9 s rest), and HIIT (4 min cycling at 90% VO2peak followed with 3 min recovery for ~ 60 min) or MICT (~ 65 min continuous cycling at 60% VO2peak) with equivalent mechanical work (200/300 KJ). Compared to the CON group, all three training groups had significant and similar improvements in VO2peak (~ +20%, d = 2.5-3.4), fat mass (~ -10%, d = 1.3-2.1) and body fat percentage (~ -5%, d = 1.0-1.1) after a 12-week intervention. Similar high levels of enjoyment were observed among groups for most (~70%) of the training sessions. The findings suggest that the three training regimes are equally enjoyable and could result in similar improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in overweight/obese young women, but SIT is a more time-efficient strategy.

Violence and obesogenic behavior among adolescents aged 12-15 years from 62 countries: A global perspective.

Exposure to violence may be associated with increased risk for obesogenic behavior among adolescents but studies providing a global perspective are lacking. The aim of this work was to assess the relationship between violence and obesogenic behaviors among young adolescents from 62 countries. Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2009-2016 were analyzed. Information on violence (intentional injury, physical attack, physical fight) and obesogenic behavior (anxiety-induced sleep problems, low physical activity, sedentary behavior, fast-food consumption, carbonated soft-drink consumption) were self-reported. Associations were analyzed using meta-analysis based on country-wise multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 165,380 adolescents aged 12-15 years [mean (SD) age 13.8 (1.0) years; 50.9% boys] were included in the analysis. All types of violence were positively associated with higher odds for all types of obesogenic behavior with the exception of low physical activity. Associations were particularly pronounced for anxiety-induced insomnia. In contrast, intentional injury (OR = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.64-0.81) and physical fight (OR = 0.90; 95%CI = 0.86-0.95) were associated with lower odds for low physical activity. In this large global sample of adolescents, exposure to violence was associated with all obesogenic behaviors apart from low physical activity. Multidimensional government programs and policies addressing exposure to violence among young adolescents may lead to reduction in obesogenic behavior and hence curtail the global obesity epidemic.

Persistence and remission of depressive symptoms and psycho-social correlates in Chinese early adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate a one-year course of persistent/remitted depressive symptoms and associated demographic and psychosocial factors that predict persistent/remitted depressive symptoms in Chinese high school students. METHODS: One thousand five hundred forty-four Grade 7 students provided data for the first wave. Of the initially recruited students, 483 who were classified as depressed (CESD score ≥ 16) at baseline were then tracked and invited to fill in the questionnaire for a second time (Grade 8) after 1 year. Finally, 435 of them were successfully matched. RESULTS: Two hundred two (46.4%) of the subset categorized as depressed in the first survey (N = 435) remained with depressive symptoms, while 233 (53.6%) recovered from depression 1 year later. Having siblings, a lower level of positive youth development, non-intact family status, and poor family functioning at baseline significantly predicted a higher likelihood of persistent depression, while those with fathers having higher educational qualifications (bachelor's degree or higher) at baseline showed a significantly higher probability of remitting from depression. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that the prevalence of persistent depressive symptoms was generally high, and promoting aspects of positive youth development and family functioning for adolescents could be promising in preventing or reducing these symptoms.

Brain Functional Specialization Is Enhanced Among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of long-term Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practice on practitioners' brain functional specialization compare with the TCC novices. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: A psychology Institute. PARTICIPANTS: TCC practitioners (N=22) (52.4±6.8y; 7 men; educated years: 12.18±3.03y) and 18 healthy adults (54.8±6.8y; 8 men; education years: 11.78±2.90y) matched by age, sex, and education were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and cognitive test to measure the differences in functional specialization and cognitive function. Functional specialization was evaluated by voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) method. RESULTS: Lower middle frontal gyrus VMHC in TCC practitioners compared to controls. For TCC practitioners, the longer they practice, the lower their VMHC in precentral and precuneus. TCC practitioners showed better cognition performance. CONCLUSIONS: Changed VMHC indicated that TCC practice could enhance functional specialization in the middle frontal cortex of practitioners, which may be associated with higher-order cognitive ability.

Hypothesized Mechanisms Through Which Exercise May Attenuate Memory Interference.

In this paper we introduce a mechanistic model through which exercise may enhance episodic memory, specifically via attenuating proactive and retroactive memory interference. We discuss the various types of memory, different stages of memory function, review the mechanisms behind forgetting, and the mechanistic role of exercise in facilitating pattern separation (to attenuate memory interference).

The Beneficial Effects of Mind-Body Exercises for People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the most common forms of mind-body exercise (MBE) (tai chi, yoga, qigong) on cognitive function among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). DATA SOURCES: We searched 6 electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, WanFang, Web of Science, CNKI) from inception until September 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Nine randomized controlled trials and 3 nonrandomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Two researchers independently performed the literature searches, study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment using the revised Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]) was calculated while random-effect model was selected. Overall results of the meta-analysis (N=1298 people with MCI) indicated that MBE significantly improved attention (SMD=0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.71, P=.02, I2=31.6%, n=245), short-term memory (SMD=0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.90, P<.001, I2=0%, n=861), executive function (SMD=-0.42, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.21, P<.001, I2=38.54%, n=701), visual-spatial/executive function (SMD=0.35, 95% CI 0.07-0.64, P<.05, I2=0%, n=285), and global cognitive function (SMD=0.36, 95% CI 0.2-0.52, P<.001, I2=15.12%, n=902). However, the significant positive effect on cognitive processing speed was not observed following MBE interventions (SMD=0.31, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.63, P=.054, I2=28.66%, n=233). CONCLUSIONS: Study findings of this meta-analysis suggest that MBE have the potential to improve various cognitive functions in people with MCI.

Effects of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged Over 55: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on lower limb proprioception in adults older than 55. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI) were searched from inception until April 14, 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers screened potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of the eligible studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]) was calculated while the random-effects model was selected. Physiotherapy Evidence Database scores ranged from 5 to 8 points (mean=6.7). The study results showed that Tai Chi had significantly positive effects on lower limb joint proprioception. Effect sizes were moderate to large, including ankle plantar flexion (SMD=-0.55; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -0.9 to -0.2; P=.002; I2=0%; n=162), dorsiflexion (SMD=-0.75; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.39; P<.001; I2=0%; n=162), nondominant or left knee flexion (SMD=-0.71; 95% CI, -1.10 to -0.41; P<.001; I2=25.1%; n=266), dominant or right knee flexion (SMD=-0.82; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.58; P<.001; I2=33.8%; n=464). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate to strong evidence that suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention to maintain and improve lower limb proprioception in adults older than 55. More robust multicenter studies including oldest-old participants, with longer follow-ups and validated outcome measures, are needed before a definitive conclusion is drawn.

Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise in Attenuating Memory Interference: Considerations by Biological Sex.

Background and Objectives: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of acute exercise on memory interference and determine if this potential relationship is moderated by sex. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled experiment was conducted (N = 40), involving young adult males (n = 20) and females (n = 20) completing two counterbalanced visits (exercise and no exercise). The exercise visit involved an acute (15 min), moderate-intensity bout of treadmill exercise, while the control visit involved a time-matched seated task. Memory interference, including both proactive interference and retroactive interference, involved the completion of a multi-trial memory task. Results: In a factorial ANOVA with the outcome being List B, there was a main effect for condition (F(1,38) = 5.75, P = 0.02, n2p = 0.13), but there was no main effect for sex (F(1,38) = 1.39, P = 0.24, n2p = 0.04) or sex by condition interaction (F(1,38) = 1.44, P = 0.23, n2p = 0.04). Conclusion: In conclusion, acute moderate-intensity exercise was effective in attenuating a proactive memory interference effect. This effect was not moderated by biological sex.

The Beneficial Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercises for Adults with Low Back Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: The aim of this meta-analytic review was to quantitatively examine the effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) on pain intensity and back disability in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Potential articles were retrieved using seven electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang). The searched period was from inception to 1 March 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of TCE on pain intensity and back disability in LBP patients were included. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects models and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Data from eleven RCTs (886 individuals with LBP) meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for meta-analysis. Compared with the control intervention, TCE induced significant improvements in the visual analogue scale (VAS) (Hedge's g = -0.64, 95% CI -0.90 to -0.37, p < 0.001), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) (Hedge's g = -0.41, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.03, p = 0.03), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (Hedge's g = -0.96, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.50, p < 0.001), and cognitive function (Hedge's g = -0.62, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.39, p < 0.001). In a meta-regression analysis, age (ß = 0.01, p = 0.02) and total exercise time (ß = -0.0002, p = 0.01) were associated with changes in the VAS scores, respectively. Moderator analyses demonstrated that Tai Chi practice (Hedge's g = -0.87, 95% CI -1.38 to -0.36, p < 0.001) and Qigong (Hedge's g = -0.54, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.23, p < 0.001) reduced VAS scores. Interventions with a frequency of 1-2 times/week (Hedge's g = -0.53, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.07, p = 0.02) and 3-4 times/week (Hedge's g = -0.78, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.42, p < 0.001) were associated with reduced VAS scores, but this significant reduction on this outcome was not observed in the weekly training frequency of ≥5 times (Hedge's g = -0.54, 95% CI -1.16 to 0.08, p = 0.09). Conclusions: TCE may have beneficial effects for reducing pain intensity for individuals with LBP, regardless of their pain status.

The Effects of Tai Chi Chuan Versus Core Stability Training on Lower-Limb Neuromuscular Function in Aging Individuals with Non-Specific Chronic Lower Back Pain.

Objectives: For this paper, we aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) versus the Core Stability Training (CST) program on neuromuscular function (NF) in the lower extremities among aging individuals who suffered from non-specific chronic lower back pain (NLBP). Regarding the design, during a 12-week intervention, a single-blinded randomized controlled trial was used to compare two intervention groups with a control group on the parameters of NF. Methods: Forty-three Chinese community-dwellers were randomly assigned into two intervention groups (three sessions per week, with each session lasting 60 min in TCC and CST) and a control group. The patient-based Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the level of perceived pain, while parameters of NF as primary outcomes were measured by the Biodex System 3 Isokinetic Dynamometer. Results: For the knee joint, we observed significant differences in the endurance of left extension at a speed of 60°/s: (1) between TCC and control groups (p < 0.01); (2) between CST and control groups (p < 0.01). For the ankle joint, significant differences between CST and control groups were observed on the peak torque of left dorsiflexion (p < 0.05) and the endurance of the left plantar flexion at a speed of 60°/s (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed a significant difference between TCC and control groups in the endurance of the right plantar flexion (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chen-style TCC and CST were found to have protective effects on NF in aging individuals with NLBP, while alleviating non-specific chronic pain.

Effects of Acute Exercise and Learning Strategy Implementation on Memory Function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long-term potentiation (LTP), the functional connectivity among neurons, is considered a mechanism of episodic memory. Both acute exercise and learning are thought to influence memory via an LTP-related mechanism. Limited research has evaluated the individual and combined effects of acute exercise and learning strategy implementation (e.g., 3-R technique, cue-integration) on memory, which was the purpose of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For Experiment 1, participants (n = 80; Mage = 20.9 years) were randomized into one of four experimental groups, including Exercise + Learning (E + L), Learning Only (L), Exercise Only (E), and Control Group (C; no exercise and no learning strategy implementation). The exercise stimulus involved an acute 15-min bout of lower-intensity (60% of heart rate max) walking exercise and the learning strategy involved the implementation of the 3-R technique. Experiment 2 (n = 77; Mage = 21.1 years) replicated Experiment 1 but addressed limitations (e.g., exposure level of the memory task) from Experiment 1 and employed a higher-intensity bout of exercise (77% of heart rate max). Experiment 3 (n = 80; Mage = 21.0 years) evaluated these same four experimental conditions but employed a cue-integration learning strategy and a moderate-intensity bout of acute exercise (64% of heart rate max). RESULTS: These three experiments demonstrate that both learning techniques were effective in enhancing memory and we also provided evidence of a main effect for acute exercise (Experiment 3). However, we did not observe consistent evidence of a learning by exercise interaction effect. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that both acute exercise and different learning techniques are effective in enhancing long-term memory function.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Hypoxia on Cognition in Sedentary Young Adults.

Background and Objectives: Limited research has evaluated the effects of acute exercise on cognition under different conditions of inspired oxygenation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIE) under normoxia (inspired fraction of oxygen (FIO2): 0.209) and moderate hypoxia (FIO2: 0.154) on cognitive function. Design: A single-blinded cross-over design was used to observe the main effects of exercise and oxygen level, and interaction effects on cognitive task performance. Methods: Twenty inactive adults (10 males and 10 females, 19⁻27 years old) performed a cognitive task (i.e., the Go/No-Go task) before and immediately after an acute bout of HIE under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The HIE comprised 10 repetitions of 6 s high-intensity cycling against 7.5% body weight interspersed with 30 s passive recovery. Heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rating of perceived exertion were monitored. Results: The acute bout of HIE did not affect the reaction time (p = 0.204, η² = 0.083) but the accuracy rate decreased significantly after HIE under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions (p = 0.001, η² = 0.467). Moreover, moderate hypoxia had no influence either on reaction time (p = 0.782, η² = 0.004) or response accuracy (p = 0.972, η² < 0.001). Conclusions: These results indicate that an acute session of HIE may impair response accuracy immediately post-HIE, without sacrificing reaction time. Meanwhile moderate hypoxia was found to have no adverse effect on cognitive function in inactive young adults, at least in the present study.

A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Mindful Exercises on Rehabilitative Outcomes Among Poststroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the rehabilitative effects of mindful exercises for poststroke patients. DATA SOURCES: Six databases (PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials on the effects of mindful exercises on rehabilitative outcomes such as sensorimotor function, gait speed, leg strength, aerobic endurance, cognitive function, and overall motor function. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently screened eligible studies according to the eligible criteria, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 20 studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were finally included. The sum scores of 5-9 points in the adapted Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale indicates low-to-medium risk of bias. The study results of meta-analysis indicate that mindful exercise intervention was significantly associated with improved sensorimotor function on both lower limb (standardized mean difference=0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-1.15; P<.001; I2=62.67%) and upper limb (standardized mean difference=0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.01; P<.001; I2=32.36%). CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that mindful exercises are effective in improving sensorimotor function of lower and upper limbs in poststroke patients. The effects on gait speed, leg strength, aerobic endurance, overall motor function, and other outcomes (eg, cognitive function, gait parameters) require further investigation for allowing evidence-based conclusions.