Researchers seek volunteers to find out the most beneficial physical exercises for a healthy brain
A multidisciplinary team from the University of Coimbra wants to determine which physical activities might be more effective in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Translation: Diana Taborda
A multidisciplinary team from the University of Coimbra (UC) is carrying out a research project to better understand the effects of regular physical activity on cognition and brain function. Researchers want to find out which types of exercise are most beneficial in preventing cognitive decline associated with ageing.
People aged 55 to 75 living in the Coimbra region are invited to volunteer for a free 12-week exercise programme as part of the study 'The effects of regular exercise on the brain and on biomarkers of neuroinflammation and neurogenesis', to be held at the Coimbra University Stadium in 2024.
The project is led by Ana Maria Teixeira, a professor at the Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education (FCDEFUC) of the University of Coimbra, and Maria Ribeiro, a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine (FMUC) and at the Centre for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT) of the Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS).
The researchers point out that “Exercise can reverse or delay age-related cognitive decline. This study aims to explore the most beneficial type of exercise programme and identify the brain changes resulting from physical activity that best explain observed improvements," further adding that “The results of this study will help us understand how best to use physical activity to prevent cognitive decline and brain diseases associated with ageing. We also expect an increased physical and functional capacity of participants and a subsequent improvement in their quality of life.”
Over the 12-week intervention, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a fitness programme with two 45-minute training sessions per week, guided by a PhD student in Physical Activity and Health. Brain function and biomarkers of neurogenesis (the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain) will be assessed before and after the training sessions. This assessment will include an electroencephalogram (EEG), a non-invasive test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain, along with cognitive assessments and blood tests.
Exclusion criteria for participation in the study include health problems that prevent engagement in physical activity, a history of cardiovascular, neurological, or psychiatric disease, head trauma, or current use of psychoactive substances (e.g., anti-anxiety, antidepressant, antipsychotic, or beta-blocker).
Applications to participate in the project are open until the end of December and can be submitted through the website https://voluntarios.cibit.uc.pt/, via email at mjribeiro@fmed.uc.pt, or by phone (915 234 593).
The study will involve several faculties and research centres of the University of Coimbra: The Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, the Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, the Centre for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, the Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention, and the Research Centre for Sport and Physical Activity.