THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INDICATORS ON BRAIN ASYMMETRY: A MAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDY

• Grant number: 24/15308-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Melo Neves
• Grantee: Fernanda Pereira Lemos Barbosa
• Host Institution: Universidade de Santo Amaro (UNISA). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Brain asymmetry is physiological and present in humans. It is known that brain lateralization for the performance of cognitive activities reflects anatomical and functional asymmetry. However, many disorders are related to increased asymmetry, which occurs primarily in the elderly. Physical activity is a protective factor in reducing brain atrophy and promotes greater stimulation in both cerebral hemispheres, increasing concentration and memory performance, as well as brain volume, as demonstrated by previous studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare elderly individuals who meet the recommended physical activity (150 minutes of weekly physical activity) and elderly individuals who do not meet the recommendation (less than 150 minutes per week) regarding brain asymmetry. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study with 45 elderly individuals divided into two groups: those who practice more than 150 minutes per week of moderate-vigorous physical activity, and those who practice less than 150 minutes according to the time recorded on the accelerometer. Brain volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, cardiorespiratory fitness, functionality test and strength were measured. The SPSS and SAS programs will be used to perform the statistical tests. PARTIAL RESULTS: Differences (p<0.05) were observed in five structures between the groups: total pallidum (p=0.04), left pallidum (p=0.02), left putamen (p=0.03), total 5th ventricle (p=0.02) and right 5th ventricle (p=0.02). Active elderly individuals (¿150 minutes) presented 12%, 14% and 7% higher total pallidum, left pallidum and left putamen, respectively, when compared to the group <150 minutes. In contrast, the less active group showed 21% higher means in the total and right 5th ventricle. Multiple linear regression revealed that physical activity time is the main predictor of asymmetry in the total 5th ventricle (R² = 0.09, p = 0.04). Muscle strength was more significant for asymmetry in the total pallidum (R² = 0.20, p = 0.002) and left (R² = 0.24, p = 0.001). These results highlight physical activity and muscle strength as crucial components in neurological health. Furthermore, this project aims to expand the analysis of asymmetry to the other 66 available areas and structures.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FERREIRA, THAIS ALVES DE PAIVA; NEVES, LUCAS MELO; JIMENEZ-MALDONADO, ALBERTO; CARDOSO, LARISSA KELLY DE ARAUJO; FERREIRA, PAULO EGDIO ARAUJO; DA SILVA, JONIEL RONNEY GOMES; BARROS, CLARA ANDRESSA DE ARAUJO; SANTANA, NATHANAEL LEAL; DE ARAUJO, IVONEIDE MARIA RODRIGUES; MONTEIRO, PAULA ALVES; et al. Short-time resistance training enhances sleep quality in obese and non-obese young women. Sleep and Breathing, v. 29, n. 2, p. 8-pg., 2025-05-01. (24/05155-7, 24/15308-5, 24/02369-6)