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Physical Activity Improves Muscle-Cognitive Performance: Impact in Quality of Life

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A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Exercise for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 14154

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Virginia Tancredi

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Guest Editor

Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: synaptic plasticity; neurophysiology; aging; physical activity and wellness; cognitive perception; sport training; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Agata Grazia D'Amico

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
Interests: neuroanatomy; neuroscience; neuropeptides; neural stem cells; identification of carcinogenic bi-omarkers; study of molecular mechanisms involved in cancers progression
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the link between physical exercise and quality of life was already known in Plato's time “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it”, the contribution of muscle performance to cognitive functions is still not fully understood.

Nowadays, the beneficial effects of exercise on neurogenesis are known, as it has been observed that regular physical activity promotes an increase size of the hippocampus in human adults, thus counteracting the deleterious effects of neurodegeneration and memory impairment.

Several studies demonstrated that muscle metabolism is strongly related to bone status by a constant bi-directional communication, called bone-muscle crosstalk. In addition, improvement in cognitive function, following physical activity, has been linked to the role of exercising in orchestrating the molecular events associated to bone-muscle crosstalk. In fact, dysregulation in bone-muscle crosstalk has been related to numerous pathological conditions that can compromise cognitive function and, more in general, the quality of life.

Evidences report that communication between muscle and bone frequently occurs in a paracrine or endocrine fashion, via myokines releasing at periosteal interface or in the bloodstream. Remarkable increase in the production of the myokines, responsible for the crosstalk, has been also associated with physical exercise. Some myokines, such as irisin, are also been studied in their ability to simultaneously influence muscle, bone and brain functions, thus explaining, at the molecular level, how physical activity can improves muscle-cognitive performance.

Starting from these considerations, the aim of this Issue is to publish the latest discoveries and bring together researchers and clinicians working in the field of “Physical Exercise, muscle-cognitive performance and quality of life”.

Prof. Dr. Virginia Tancredi
Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. Agata Grazia D'Amico
Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Neuromodulatori
Cross talk bone muscle
Plasticità sinaptica
Physical exrcise
Detraing
Proprioception
Neuromuscle activity and aging
Cognitive perception

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1895 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Aerobic Exercise Induces Alternative Splicing of Neurexins in Frontal Cortex

by Elisa Innocenzi, Ida Cariati, Emanuela De Domenico, Erika Tiberi, Giovanna D’Arcangelo, Veronica Verdile, Maria Paola Paronetto, Virginia Tancredi, Marco Barchi, Pellegrino Rossi, Claudio Sette and Paola Grimaldi

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(2), 48; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6020048 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Aerobic exercise (AE) is known to produce beneficial effects on brain health by improving plasticity, connectivity, and cognitive functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still limited. Neurexins (Nrxns) are a family of presynaptic cell adhesion molecules that are important in synapsis formation and maturation. In vertebrates, three-neurexin genes (NRXN1, NRXN2, and NRXN3) have been identified, each encoding for α and β neurexins, from two independent promoters. Moreover, each Nrxns gene (1–3) has several alternative exons and produces many splice variants that bind to a large variety of postsynaptic ligands, playing a role in trans-synaptic specification, strength, and plasticity. In this study, we investigated the impact of a continuous progressive (CP) AE program on alternative splicing (AS) of Nrxns on two brain regions: frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus. We showed that exercise promoted Nrxns1–3 AS at splice site 4 (SS4) both in α and β isoforms, inducing a switch from exon-excluded isoforms (SS4−) to exon-included isoforms (SS4+) in FC but not in hippocampus. Additionally, we showed that the same AE program enhanced the expression level of other genes correlated with synaptic function and plasticity only in FC. Altogether, our findings demonstrated the positive effect of CP AE on FC in inducing molecular changes underlying synaptic plasticity and suggested that FC is possibly a more sensitive structure than hippocampus to show molecular changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Improves Muscle-Cognitive Performance: Impact in Quality of Life)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Length of the Hamstrings Using Ultrasonography Versus Musculoskeletal Modelling

by Eleftherios Kellis, Athina Konstantinidou and Athanasios Ellinoudis

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(1), 26; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6010026 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2725

Abstract

Muscle morphology is an important contributor to hamstring muscle injury and malfunction. The aim of this study was to examine if hamstring muscle-tendon lengths differ between various measurement methods as well as if passive length changes differ between individual hamstrings. The lengths of biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semimembranosus (SM), and semitendinosus (ST) of 12 healthy males were determined using three methods: Firstly, by identifying the muscle attachments using ultrasound (US) and then measuring the distance on the skin using a flexible ultrasound tape (TAPE-US). Secondly, by scanning each muscle using extended-field-of view US (EFOV-US) and, thirdly, by estimating length using modelling equations (MODEL). Measurements were performed with the participant relaxed at six combinations of hip (0°, 90°) and knee (0°, 45°, and 90°) flexion angles. The MODEL method showed greater BFlh and SM lengths as well as changes in length than US methods. EFOV-US showed greater ST and SM lengths than TAPE-US (p < 0.05). SM length change across all joint positions was greater than BFlh and ST (p < 0.05). Hamstring length predicted using regression equations is greater compared with those measured using US-based methods. The EFOV-US method yielded greater ST and SM length than the TAPE-US method. SM showed the highest change in length at different hip and knee joint positions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Improves Muscle-Cognitive Performance: Impact in Quality of Life)

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11 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Subjects with Neurodegenerative Disease

by Laura Vizzi, Elvira Padua, Agata Grazia D’Amico, Virginia Tancredi, Giovanna D’Arcangelo, Ida Cariati, Manuel Scimeca, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata and Michela Montorsi

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2020, 5(4), 94; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk5040094 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2658

Abstract

Studies on the effectiveness of physical exercise to treat and/or prevent mental disorders are essential and particularly appropriate, given the rapid growth of the elderly population and the consequent increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. The onset of neurodegenerative diseases is subtle, and progression is irreversible, as there is still no cure capable of stopping them permanently. Therefore, we should not underestimate these diseases and should immediately begin to combine the treatment with physical activity adapted to specific needs. Indeed, it is well known that physical activity has positive effects on mobility, autonomy, and functional capacity, improving not only cognitive functions, but also reducing the risk of developing dementia. Despite several studies in this field, to date there are no specific and effective protocols that promote physical exercise in people with dementia. Based on this evidence, the aim of the present work was to verify whether an adapted physical exercise regimen could promote the maintenance of psychomotor functions in elderly subjects and, therefore, delay the irreversible effects of combinations of dementia and other pathologies associated with aging. Our results clearly show that exercise is very effective in improving psychomotor functions and delaying the progress of neurodegenerative diseases in humans, since we observed that the subjects maintained their cognitive skills after 8 months of physical activity, moreover, two patients presented an amelioration. Based on the results obtained, we recommend that the motor practice, in any chosen form, be considered an integral part of prevention programs based on an active lifestyle in older people. Future studies will be necessary to establish how long lasting the benefits of a specific physical activity are and whether they are enough to delay cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Improves Muscle-Cognitive Performance: Impact in Quality of Life)

Review

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18 pages, 1804 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Physical Activity in Bone–Muscle Crosstalk: Biological Aspects and Clinical Implications

by Ida Cariati, Roberto Bonanni, Federica Onorato, Ambra Mastrogregori, Danilo Rossi, Riccardo Iundusi, Elena Gasbarra, Virginia Tancredi and Umberto Tarantino

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(2), 55; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6020055 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5088

Abstract

Bone and muscle tissues influence each other through the integration of mechanical and biochemical signals, giving rise to bone–muscle crosstalk. They are also known to secrete osteokines, myokines, and cytokines into the circulation, influencing the biological and pathological activities in local and distant organs and cells. In this regard, even osteoporosis and sarcopenia, which were initially thought to be two independent diseases, have recently been defined under the term “osteosarcopenia”, to indicate a synergistic condition of low bone mass with muscle atrophy and hypofunction. Undoubtedly, osteosarcopenia is a major public health concern, being associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The best current defence against osteosarcopenia is prevention based on a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. The most appropriate type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise to positively influence osteosarcopenia are not yet known. However, combined programmes of progressive resistance exercises, weight-bearing impact exercises, and challenging balance/mobility activities currently appear to be the most effective in optimising musculoskeletal health and function. Based on this evidence, the aim of our review was to summarize the current knowledge about the role of exercise in bone–muscle crosstalk, highlighting how it may represent an effective alternative strategy to prevent and/or counteract the onset of osteosarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Improves Muscle-Cognitive Performance: Impact in Quality of Life)

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