The effect of physical exercise on neurocognitive functions of the young and ageing brain

This is a 3 year project funded by the MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (www.birmingham.ac.uk/musculoskeletal-ageing). The project is a cross-institutional collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham and will be primarily situated at the University of Birmingham in the School of Psychology.

Experiments in animals and humans have long suggested that physical exercise improves cognitive functions (Kramer et al., 2007). More recent controlled intervention studies have shown that aerobic physical exercise enhances cognitive and sensorymotor functions in older participants. Likewise, physical exercise has been shown to induce changes in functional activations (fMRI) and brain structure (Miller et al., 2012). Yet, the interactions between changes at the structural, neurofunctional and behavioural level remain unclear.

In this project, we aim to investigate the influence of physical exercise on brain structure, function and cognitive/sensory processing in older (65-75 years) participants in a physical intervention study. Specifically, we will focus on how the brain integrates signals from multiple sensory modalities for rapid interactions with its environment. Previous research has demonstrated that older people show less variance in fMRI BOLD responses, which may reduce their ability to rapidly adapt to changes in the environment (Grady and Garrett, 2013). We will investigate whether physical activity modulates the variance of sensory responses and how sensory signals are integrated. Even though we will focus on auditory and visual inputs because of easier stimulation inside the MRI scanner, information integration is fundamental for any sensorymotor interaction (e.g. proprioception and vision during walking).

30 older and younger participants will be assigned to two groups. Group 1 will first participate in high and then in low level of physical activity for a 2 month period each. Group 2 will first participate in low level and subsequently in high levels of physical activity.
1. Prior to the physical exercise intervention the cognitive (e.g. neuropsychological test battery) and physical status of the participants will be comprehensively characterized.
2. In the fMRI study, participants need to respond rapidly to auditory, visual and audiovisual signals in a redundant target paradigm. We expect that physical activity will enhance participants’ performance in the task leading to activation changes in (i) the prefrontal and sensory areas and (ii) their effective connectivity.
3. Using structural MRI, Magnetization Transfer contrast and DTI, we will investigate the structural integrity and connectivity of brain areas.
4. Arterial Spin Labelling will be used to measure cerebral blood flow, to account for any confounds in the fMRI response due to physical exercise and aging.

Students will learn skills in both cognitive neuroscience, structural and functional neuroimaging.
Year 1: Set up exercise imaging and experimental protocols
Year 2/3: Study in older and younger people
Students will be integrated in the Computational Cognitive Neuroimaging lab is based at the Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics Centre and the Department of Psychology of the University of Birmingham, UK. The centre provides an excellent multidisciplinary, interactive and collaborative research environment combining expertise in cognitive neuroimaging, psychophysics and computational neuroscience.

Person Specification
Prospective candidates are expected to have strong quantitative background and a degree in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, physics or related areas. Prior experience in functional imaging, MatLab, data analysis and/or machine learning would be an advantage.

How to apply
Applications including a CV, names and addresses of two referees and a covering letter should be sent to Alison Fletcher, C/o Research and Knowledge Transfer Office, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT or email [Email Address Removed]

Enquiries can be directed to Professor Uta Noppeney: Email: [Email Address Removed]
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology/people/profile.aspx?ReferenceId=29516

The closing date is Monday 27th January 2014 and Interviews will be held on Thursday 6th February 2014.