Highlights
- •We provide new insights into the association of TMS measures of neuroplasticity and cardiovascular health in aging adults.
- •HRR1 is the best cardiovascular health predictor of the efficacy of the mechanisms of neuroplasticity.
- •HRR1 is a potential surrogate marker of brain health.
- •VEGF and BDNF levels improve the model of the association between neuroplasticity and cardiovascular health.
Abstract
Background
Neuroplasticity and cardiovascular health behavior are critically important factors
for optimal brain health.
Objective
To assess the association between the efficacy of the mechanisms of neuroplasticity
and metrics of cardiovascular heath in sedentary aging adults.
Methods
We included thirty sedentary individuals (age = 60.6 ± 3.8 y; 63 % female). All underwent
assessments of neuroplasticity, measured by the change in amplitude of motor evoked
potentials elicited by single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at baseline
and following intermittent Theta-Burst (iTBS) at regular intervals. Cardiovascular
health measures were derived from the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test and included
Heart Rate Recovery (HRR) at 1-min/2-min after test cessation. We also collected plasma
levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF), and c-reactive protein.
Results
We revealed moderate but significant relationships between TMS-iTBS neuroplasticity,
and the predictors of cardiovascular health (|r| = 0.38 to 0.53, p < .05). HRR1 was the best predictor of neuroplasticity (β = 0.019, p = .002). The best fit model (Likelihood ratio = 5.83, p = .016) of the association between neuroplasticity and HRR1 (β = 0.043, p = .002)
was selected when controlling for demographics and health status. VEGF and BDNF plasma
levels augmented the association between neuroplasticity and HRR1.
Conclusions
Our findings build on existing data demonstrating that TMS may provide insight into
neuroplasticity and the role cardiovascular health have on its mechanisms. These implications
serve as theoretical framework for future longitudinal and interventional studies
aiming to improve cardiovascular and brain health. HRR1 is a potential prognostic
measure of cardiovascular health and a surrogate marker of brain health in aging adults.
Abbreviations:
%Δ (Percent change.), HRR (Heart Rate Recovery.), ISWT (Incremental Shuttle Walking Test.), iTBS (Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation.), LTP (Long Term Potentiation.), TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 06, 2022
Accepted:
September 5,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 13,
2022
Received:
February 9,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
