Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ART4Brain (Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training for Improving Brain-related Outcomes)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2025-04-30
Problem. Coronary heart disease (CHD) patients have a 45% higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Currently, there is no effective therapy to prevent or cure those brain-related diseases. Recent studies showed that physical activity is associated with better cognitive functioning and a risk reduction of cognitive impairment and dementia in the general population. However, studies in CHD patients are largely absent. Evidence about the brain-related health benefits of physical activity are mostly based on aerobic exercise, but recent studies showed that resistance exercise also provides potent health benefits.
The project ART4Brain. The overall aim of the ART4Brain project was to explore the effect of exercise and physical activity on cerebral blood flow, as a potential mechanism of cognitive decline, and executive functioning in CHD patients. Physical activity levels can be an important target in the CHD population, since the prevalence of physical inactivity is high. Accordingly, I studied the following scientifically and clinically relevant objectives:
1. Examine the effects of aerobic only vs aerobic plus resistance exercise vs usual care on global cerebral blood flow and other brain health outcomes using innovative MRI techniques;
2. Examine the association of objectively assessed combinations of behaviours across the full physical activity spectrum (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) on cognitive functioning;
3. Translate scientific knowledge into a digital exercise training program by learning from a commercial partner (i.e. EXi).
Pathway to impact. I used innovative approaches to investigate the potential of exercise and physical activity to improve brain-related outcomes in CHD patients. The studies and training were performed in a world-renowned research group, which greatly expanded my expertise, knowledge and skills, and boosted my scientific career. Several scientific publications have emerged from the project (n=5 directly related to the MSCA-PF). Three future research projects were funded, and several communications/dissemination activities were performed. Finally, the MSCA-PF started a long-term collaboration between the University of Granada and the Radboudumc in the Netherlands.
The project ART4Brain. The overall aim of the ART4Brain project was to explore the effect of exercise and physical activity on cerebral blood flow, as a potential mechanism of cognitive decline, and executive functioning in CHD patients. Physical activity levels can be an important target in the CHD population, since the prevalence of physical inactivity is high. Accordingly, I studied the following scientifically and clinically relevant objectives:
1. Examine the effects of aerobic only vs aerobic plus resistance exercise vs usual care on global cerebral blood flow and other brain health outcomes using innovative MRI techniques;
2. Examine the association of objectively assessed combinations of behaviours across the full physical activity spectrum (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) on cognitive functioning;
3. Translate scientific knowledge into a digital exercise training program by learning from a commercial partner (i.e. EXi).
Pathway to impact. I used innovative approaches to investigate the potential of exercise and physical activity to improve brain-related outcomes in CHD patients. The studies and training were performed in a world-renowned research group, which greatly expanded my expertise, knowledge and skills, and boosted my scientific career. Several scientific publications have emerged from the project (n=5 directly related to the MSCA-PF). Three future research projects were funded, and several communications/dissemination activities were performed. Finally, the MSCA-PF started a long-term collaboration between the University of Granada and the Radboudumc in the Netherlands.
To reach the overall aims of the ART4Brain project two original studies and one systematic review and meta-analysis have been perform. The first original study was a randomized controlled trial focused on exercise training and brain health outcomes. The second original study examined association between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep with cognitive functioning using (cross-sectional) data of the Nijmegen Exercise Study. The systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of exercise type and settings on health-related quality of life and mental health in coronary artery disease. All studies finished the data collection. Two manuscripts have been published and 3 are submitted or in preparation. Finally, the secondment has been performed and provided insights into digital exercise training programs using smartwatches, smartphone and an online platform.
Scientific results: The project resulted in 5 directly and 10 indirectly related publications and three funded research projects for further studies and international collaborations. In addition, results of the project have been shared at several international congresses, symposia and meetings.
Economic/technological impact: The true impact of the current MSCA-PF project will become visible in the next decade. On the short-term, two spin-off scientific projects including consumer wearables will start accelerating the impact of the current MSCA-PF.
Societal impact: The current project provided evidence on the effects of different types and settings of exercise and physical activity to improve brain health. Using different communication strategies, the public and individuals with coronary artery disease have been reached and informed, which increased the societal impact.
Impact on the researcher's career: As proposed in the grant application, the researcher has greatly improved her practical skills on the assessment of brain health outcomes, processing raw acceleration data, performing exercise RCTs and statistical analysis techniques. In addition, the researcher has strengthened her scientific competencies (e.g. grant writing, networking and setting up international collaborations) and transferable skills (e.g. contact industry, financial, time and project management).
Economic/technological impact: The true impact of the current MSCA-PF project will become visible in the next decade. On the short-term, two spin-off scientific projects including consumer wearables will start accelerating the impact of the current MSCA-PF.
Societal impact: The current project provided evidence on the effects of different types and settings of exercise and physical activity to improve brain health. Using different communication strategies, the public and individuals with coronary artery disease have been reached and informed, which increased the societal impact.
Impact on the researcher's career: As proposed in the grant application, the researcher has greatly improved her practical skills on the assessment of brain health outcomes, processing raw acceleration data, performing exercise RCTs and statistical analysis techniques. In addition, the researcher has strengthened her scientific competencies (e.g. grant writing, networking and setting up international collaborations) and transferable skills (e.g. contact industry, financial, time and project management).