A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Twin studies on the association of physical activity with cognitive and cerebral outcomes (2020)

Iso-Markku, P., Waller, K., Hautasaari, P., Kaprio, J., Kujala, U. M., & Tarkka, I. M. (2020). Twin studies on the association of physical activity with cognitive and cerebral outcomes. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 114, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.015

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Iso-Markku, Paula; Waller, Katja; Hautasaari, Pekka; Kaprio, Jaakko; Kujala, Urho M.; Tarkka, Ina M.

Journal or series: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews

ISSN: 0149-7634

eISSN: 1873-7528

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 114

Pages range: 1-11

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.015

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68695

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) offers positive effects on the human body. However, the effects of PA on cognition and in the brain are less clear. In this paper, we narratively review the relationship of PA with cognition and dementia, first from general perspective and then through genetically informed studies on the topic. Then we move on to imaging studies on exercise and brain anatomy first by presenting an overall picture of the topic and then discussing brain imaging studies addressing PA and brain structure in twins in more detailed way. Regarding PA and cognition or dementia, genetically informed studies are uncommon, even though the relationship between PA and cognitive ageing has been extensively studied. It is challenging to find twin pairs discordant for PA and dementia. Concerning brain imaging studies, among PA discordant young adult twin pairs, the more active co-twins showed larger gray matter volumes in striatal, prefrontal, and hippocampal regions and in electrophysiological studies automatic deviance-detection processes differed in brain regions involved with sensorimotor, visual and memory functions.

Keywords: dementia; cognition; ageing; leisure; physical training; physical activity; magnetic resonance imaging; twins; twin research

Free keywords: cognition; age-related brain changes; dementia; leisure-time physical activity; structural MRI; electroencephalography; mismatch negativity; somatosensory system; twin studies

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 2