To determine the chronic effect of Mat Pilates on serum levels of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in women with multiple sclerosis.
25 women are suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with expanded disability status scale 2-6, based on McDonalds criteria. They were divided into two groups: control group (;) and Pilates training group (PT) (;).
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ELISA
This is a randomized controlled study, which was carried out from April 2015 to June 2015. The anaerobic exercise protocol was performed through Mat Pilates training and lasted eight weeks, three times a week, lasting 30-40 min/day. The exercises were performed at low to moderate intensity according to the patient’s performance. The intensity of the exercise gradually increased with the inclusion of more repetitions (3-10), decreasing the rest time and increasing the number of sets (1-2). Blood collection was carried out between 8 and 9 am to determine the serum levels of pre- and posttest. The posttest blood sample was collected 48 hours after the last Pilates session.
To assess whether a dance training program that emphasizes constant learning of new movement patterns is superior in terms of neuroplasticity to conventional conditioning with repetitive exercise and whether the extension of the training duration has additional benefits.
62 healthy (63 to 80 years old) were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers. The following exclusion criteria were adopted: claustrophobia, tinnitus, metal implants, tattoos, diabetes mellitus, depression, cognitive deficits, neurological diagnosis, and regular physical exercise (1 h/week). 10 participants were excluded from the criteria. Only 22 participants completed the entire intervention. These were divided into two groups: dancing group () and sport group ().
Gyrus and right parahippocampal
ELISA; MRI
This is a controlled intervention study with a total duration of 18 months. The intervention was carried out in two periods: first period (twice a week in sessions of 90 minutes for 6 months) and second period (training once a week in sessions of 90 minutes for 12 months). Two protocols were used: dance group (participants were asked to learn new sequences of movement, which required coordination; each rhythm was changed after the fourth session). Sport group (participants performed strength-resistance training, with low demand for coordination; each session lasted 20 minutes). The two training programs were comparable in terms of intensity, duration, and frequency. Baseline assessments were made after 6 and 18 months of training.
To assess whether motor skill causes changes in plasticity after exercise in different modalities.
24 healthy individuals ( years old; 12 women) were recruited through advertisements. These were divided into two groups: control (; 7 women; years old) and trained group (; 5 women; years old).
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate, precuneus cortex, hand motor area, occipital lobe, and cerebellum
MRI
The study was a quasiexperiment. A physical exercise protocol was carried out that had four domains (aerobic, balance, weight lifting, and yoga). Participants were instructed to practice at home for 30 min every day for 6 weeks.
To evaluate the effects of a dance program in the elderly on brain plasticity.
62 volunteers were selected through a local advertisement. After the exclusion criteria, 52 elderly people (25 men; 27 women) aged years were randomly assigned to the experimental dance group (DG) and the control group to the sports group (SG). In the end, 38 participants completed the intervention. Dance group () and sport group ().
Frontal, temporal, cortical, and cerebellar regions
ELISA; MRI
This is an intervention study that used two protocols: dance intervention (subjects were trained to accurately memorize and access different rhythms and step sequences in space, all under accuracy and time pressure) and sport intervention (each session included three different units: endurance training, strength-endurance training, and flexibility training). The protocols happened twice a week for 90 minutes and six months long.
To investigate whether a sequential combination of physical and spatial training in young, healthy adults elicits an additive effect on training and transfer gains.
99 volunteers aged between 18 and 35 participated in the study.
Hippocampus
ELISA; MRI
The study presents an experimental design. Participants performed eight sessions: (1) three weeks of 20 minutes of cycling per day classified based on high-intensity training between T0 and T1 (ERGO); (2) five weeks with 16 sessions of 30 minutes of space training between T1 and T2 (MAZE); and (3) a sequential combination of both (COMBO) or rested as passive controls.
To test if balance training, challenging the sensory-motor system and vestibular self-motion perception, induces structural plasticity.
Participants were recruited through public announcements. Healthy adults between 19 and 65 years of age who did not report regular exercise were eligible for the study. 59 participants were randomized between groups; however, only 38 completed the study (24 women/14 men). Participants were divided into two groups: balance group () and relaxation group ().
Hippocampus; basal ganglia
MRI
It is an intervention study, where the participants carry out 12 training sessions, with two sessions per week, each lasting 50 min. Two protocols were performed: balance training (eight different stations per session) and relaxation training (progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic training).
ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; MRI: magnetic resonance.
