Abstract
Background: Previous studies have described various neuroplasticity
effects of physical activity (PA). EEG studies have described effects
mostly during or shortly after short bouts of PA. This is the first
study to investigate the capability of EEG to display PA-induced
long-lasting plasticity in runners compared to a sedentary control
group. Methods: Thirty trained runners and thirty age- and sex-matched
sedentary controls (SC) were included as a subpopulation of the ReCaP
(Running effects on Cognition and Plasticity) study. PA was measured
with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Resting
state EEG of the runners was recorded in the tapering phase of the
training for the Munich marathon 2017. Power spectrum analyses were
conducted using standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography
(sLORETA) and included the following frequency bands: delta: 1.5-6 Hz,
theta: 6.5-8.0 Hz, alpha1: 8.5-10 Hz, alpha2: 10.5-12.0 Hz, beta1:
12.5-18.0 Hz, beta2: 18.5-21.0 Hz, beta3: 21.5-30.0 Hz and total power
(1.5-30 Hz). Results: PA (IPAQ) and BMI differed significantly between
the groups. The other included demographic parameters were comparable.
Statistical non-parametric mapping showed no significant power
differences in EEG between the groups. Discussion: Heterogeneity in
study protocols, especially in time intervals between PA cessation and
EEG recordings and juxtaposition of acute PA-induced effects on EEG in
previous studies could be possible reasons for the differences in
results. Future studies should record EEG at different time points after
PA cessation and in a broader spectrum of PA intensities and forms to
further explore the capability of EEG in displaying long-term PA-induced
neuroplasticity.