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.
