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 Printable version |
Positive effects of chronic physical exercise on cognitive functions in aging people: assessment and prospects |
Revue de neuropsychologie. Volume 3, Number 4, 207-25, Décembre 2011, Article de synthèse
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 Résumé
Article gratuit
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Author(s) : Michel Audiffren, Nathalie André, Cédric Albinet |
Summary : A large number of epidemiological, cross-sectional and interventional studies present a body of convincing evidences for a prophylactic effect of the regular practice of physical activity on seniors’ brain and cognitive health. Three meta-analyses, gathering data from about 50 random control trials published from 1966 to 2009, clearly show a causal relationship between chronic physical exercise and cognitive performances of elderly, and that the size of this effect is moderate to large. Several cognitive functions such as information processing speed, executive functions and declarative memory seemed to function more efficiently following a six-month program combining 45 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercises (brisk walking, jogging) and resistance exercise at least three times a week. Different neurophysiological mechanisms involving neurotrophic factors released during exercise and linked to brain plasticity could explain and underpin this phenomenon. The relationship between cardiorespiratory or motor fitness and brain or cognitive health seems to be moderated by several individual factors closely related with the lifestyles of elderly (food diet, cognitive reserve accumulated throughout life) and their genetic inheritance (polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E, catechol-O-methyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes). Although the existence and the scientific and clinical interest of the effect of chronic exercise on brain and cognitive health were clearly established, social, health and exercise psychologists have to find methods to motivate sedentary older adults to start practicing regular physical activity and maintain this lifestyle as long as possible. Research indicates that theory-based interventions successfully influence adherence to physical activity. Two theoretical frameworks seem promising for that purpose: the theory of planned behavior and the transtheoretical model. Finally, several important theoretical and applied questions remain unanswered and need to be addressed in the future\; for instance the efficacy of chronic exercise in preventing, delaying and/or slowing several brain neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases, strokes, or multiple sclerosis. |
Keywords : physical activity, executive functions, neuronal plasticity, aging |
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