Weight for It: Resistance Training Mitigates White Matter Hyperintensity-Related Disruption to Functional Networks in Older Females

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Crockett, Rachel A.^{a; b; c} | Hsu, Chun Liang^{d; e} | Dao, Elizabeth^{a; b; c} | Tam, Roger^{c; f; g} | Eng, Janice J.^{a; h} | Handy, Todd C.^{i; j} | Liu-Ambrose, Teresa^{a; b; c; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [b] Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [c] Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [d] Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA | [e] Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA | [f] Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [g] School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [h] Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada | [i] The Attentional Neuroscience Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | [j] Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, c/o Liu-Ambrose Lab, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada. Tel.: +1 604 875 111 Ext. 69056; E-mail: teresa.ambrose@ubc.ca.; Twitter: @UBC_CogMobLab

Abstract: Background:White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with impaired cognition and increased falls risk. Resistance training (RT) is a promising intervention to reduce WMH progression, improve executive functions, and reduce falls. However, the underlying neurobiological process by which RT improves executive functions and falls risk remain unclear. We hypothesized that: 1) RT reduces the level of WMH-related disruption to functional networks; and 2) reduced disruption to the sensorimotor and attention networks will be associated with improved executive function and reduced falls risk. Objective:Investigate the impact of 52 weeks of RT on WMH-related disruption to functional networks. Methods:Thirty-two older females (65–75 years) were included in this exploratory analysis of a 52-week randomized controlled trial. Participants received either twice-weekly RT or balance and tone training (control). We used lesion network mapping to assess changes in WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor, dorsal attention, and ventral attention networks. Executive function was measured using the Stroop Colour-Word Test. Falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) and the foam sway test. Results:RT significantly reduced the level of WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor network (p = 0.012). Reduced disruption to the dorsal attention network was associated with improvements in Stroop performance (r = 0.527, p = 0.030). Reduced disruption to the ventral attention network was associated with reduced PPA score (r = 0.485, p = 0.049) Conclusion:RT may be a promising intervention to mitigate WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor network. Additionally, reducing disruption to the dorsal and ventral attention networks may contribute to improved executive function and reduced falls risk respectively.

Keywords: Cognition, executive functions, exercise, falls risk, functional connectivity, resistance training

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220142

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 90, no. 2, pp. 553-563, 2022