Physical activity is related to the structural integrity of cerebral white matter
RAR Gons, AM Tuladhar, KF De Laat…�- Neurology, 2013 - AAN Enterprises
RAR Gons, AM Tuladhar, KF De Laat, AGW Van Norden, EJ Van Dijk, DG Norris, MP Zwiers…
Neurology, 2013•AAN EnterprisesObjective: To investigate the relation between physical exercise and the microstructural
integrity of cerebral white matter. Methods: Four hundred forty individuals with cerebral small-
vessel disease, aged between 50 and 85 years, without dementia, were included and
underwent MRI scanning. Physical exercise was assessed with a structured questionnaire.
The cross-sectional relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of
the white matter was assessed by applying Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to diffusion tensor�…
integrity of cerebral white matter. Methods: Four hundred forty individuals with cerebral small-
vessel disease, aged between 50 and 85 years, without dementia, were included and
underwent MRI scanning. Physical exercise was assessed with a structured questionnaire.
The cross-sectional relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of
the white matter was assessed by applying Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to diffusion tensor�…
Objective
To investigate the relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of cerebral white matter.
Methods
Four hundred forty individuals with cerebral small-vessel disease, aged between 50 and 85 years, without dementia, were included and underwent MRI scanning. Physical exercise was assessed with a structured questionnaire. The cross-sectional relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of the white matter was assessed by applying Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to diffusion tensor imaging parameters.
Results
Being more physically active was negatively related to the mean, axial, and radial diffusivity in numerous regions of the white matter, indicative of higher white matter integrity.
Conclusions
These data indicate an association between physical activity and the integrity of the cerebral white matter's microstructure. Prospective studies are required to investigate a possible causal association between physical activity and cognitive decline.
American Academy of Neurology