Andrew Hale1, Penny Gowland1, Paul Greenhaff2, and Susan Francis1
1Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom, 2Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Although there is a
general relationship between age and brain function, habitual physical
activity levels may also impact on brain health. We performed a MR study
involving low and moderate intensity supine exercise in healthy young and older
subjects.
We assess the effect of exercise on CBF response in large arteries, regional
perfusion and BOLD, and the relationship of grey matter volume with physical
fitness and ageing. On exercise there was a clear CBF, perfusion and BOLD
response to exercise in young volunteers, whilst a reduced CBF, perfusion and
BOLD response to exercise was found in the older volunteers.
