Neuroimage. 82():510–516, NOVEMBER 2013

DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.06.011

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PMID: 23769914

Issn Print: 1053-8119

Publication Date: November 2013


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White matter integrity in physically fit older adults

B. Tseng;T. Gundapuneedi;M. Khan;R. Diaz-Arrastia;B. Levine;H. Lu;H. Huang;R. Zhang;

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Abstract

Background:White matter (WM) integrity declines with normal aging. Physical activity may attenuate age-related WM integrity changes and improve cognitive function. This study examined brain WM integrity in Masters athletes who have engaged in life-long aerobic exercise training. We tested the hypothesis that life-long aerobic training is associated with improved brain WM integrity in older adults.Methods:Ten Masters athletes (3 females, age = 72.2 ± 5.3 years, endurance training >15 years) and 10 sedentary older adults similar in age and educational level (2 females, age = 74.5 ± 4.3 years) participated. MRI fluid-attenuated-inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images were acquired to assess white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to evaluate the WM microstructural integrity with a DTI-derived metric, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD).Results:After normalization to whole-brain volume, Masters athletes showed an 83% reduction in deep WMH volume relative to their sedentary counterparts (0.05 ± 0.05% vs. 0.29 ± 0.29%, p < 0.05). In addition, we found an inverse relationship between aerobic fitness (VO2max) and deep WMH volume (r = −0.78, p < 0.001). Using TBSS, Masters athletes showed higher FA values in the right superior corona radiata (SCR), both sides of superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO), and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). In addition, Masters athletes also showed lower MD values in the left posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) and left cingulum hippocampus.Conclusions:These findings suggest that life-long exercise is associated with reduced WMH and may preserve WM fiber microstructural integrity related to motor control and coordination in older adults.HighlightsWe showed the effect of life-long exercise on brain white matter hyperintensities.We showed the relationship between aerobic fitness and brain health.We showed white matter tracts that are likely associated with exercise benefits.

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