Jesper Lundbye-Jensen, MSc, PhD

Effects of exercise on human cognitive functions, motor learning and memory

The positive effects which cardiovascular exercise may have on several aspects of cognitive functioning are well established. During the recent years, there has been an increasing focus on neuroplasticity and on the processes underlying memory formation and learning, and several studies documented positive interactions between exercise, memory and learning. The mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on human memory and learning however remain controversial. Recent studies have attempted to identify potential modulators or biomarkers that could contribute to the divergent effects of exercise on both declarative and nondeclarative memory as seen in motor learning. There has also been an emerging interest in understanding how specific parameters of exercise such as intensity might influence the effects on memory. One important but commonly neglected parameter that is essential for memory formation processes is the timing of exercise. We present data supporting the hypothesis that the effects of cardiovascular exercise on memory are not only intensity but also time-dependent. The results encompass studies focusing primarily on the effects of acute exercise on mechanisms involved in motor memory but results from longitudinal studies also include effects of exercise on cognitive functions and academic performance. We argue that strategically scheduled exercise performed in close proximity to learning sessions may promote the effects of exercise on learning and memory in part through an effect on consolidation.

Acute effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity
and motor learning

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of aerobic exercise on cognition, with some of the largest effects demonstrated specifically in memory processes. Interestingly, recent work has suggested that the acute effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on memory are more robust than, and distinct from, chronic effects of longer-term aerobic exercise training. The majority of studies investigating acute aerobic exercise effects on memory have employed verbal/vocabulary learning and image recall tests with a focus on declarative learning and memory. Less is known about the potential effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on motor learning, yet such effects could have important implications for neurorehabilitation strategies for people with movement impairments. In this presentation, we will discuss evidence for the positive impact of high-intensity aerobic exercise on implicit sequence-specific motor learning, and the underlying neurophysiology as evaluated with transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques in human participants. Further, we will consider individual characteristics of participants that may impact behavioural and neurophysiological response to aerobic exercise.

Cameron S. Mang, MSc

Michelle Ploughman, PT, PhD

Aerobic exercise effects on neuroplasticity -
from animal models to clinical trials

Aerobic exercise impacts markers of neuroplasticity in animal models of stroke and multiple sclerosis.  Dr. Ploughman will discuss how information gleaned from preclinical research, such as optimal training parameters, timing of intervention and sensitivity of behavioral outcomes, helps to inform translational research.