The Effect of Exercise on Brain Functions

Overview

Concept of action simulation; It is an internal representation of motor programs that does not involve explicit movement. Motor imagery method (MI) or movement observation (HG) method are considered two separate action simulation methods that activate motor regions in the brain. Both methods remain a popular and effective tool for improving motor learning. Research has shown that clinicians working in rehabilitation settings are aware of the needs of patients, athletes, etc. are recommended as methods that participants can use to improve their motor skills. Motor imagery training is a dynamic mental process in which a movement is mentally visualized without any visible movement or any voluntary motor muscle activation. Movement observation training is a method that involves internal, real-time motor simulation of movements in which the observer visually perceives movements performed by another. Mirror neurons, located primarily in the rostral part of the inferior parietal lobe and the ventral premotor cortex, are activated both when an action is physically performed and when the action is observed being performed by another person. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have provided support for this theory by showing that many areas known to be active during action simulation, such as the dorsal pre-motor cortex, supplementary motor area, superior parietal lobe, and intraparietal sulcus, are indeed active during both HG and MI. There is evidence in the literature that MI and HG also trigger sympathetic nervous system activation. There may be changes in respiration, heart rate and skin temperature, as well as an increase in electrodermal activity. EEG is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and simple examination that can be used to evaluate neurophysiological functions by measuring electrical activity. Understanding the mechanism of beta rhythms is important because they are associated with conscious thinking, logical thinking, memory and problem solving, whereas suppression of beta waves contributes to depression and cognitive decline. This study will investigate the effectiveness of exercising or watching or imagining exercise on brain functions.

Participants in the study were divided into 3 groups. One group was shown breathing exercises and asked to imagine these exercises(Motor imagery and action observatin). The second group was made to do active exercises(The same exercises used in motor imagery and action observation were actively performed). The third group was not made to do anything. The exercises lasted 10 minutes. Watching and imagining the movement was also organized as a 10-minute program. That's why the control group was not allowed to do anything for 10 minutes. EEG recordings were taken during this 10-minute period in all three groups.