Longitudinal Impact of Physical Activity on Brain Pulsatility Index and Cognition in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A NIRS Study

Recent studies have shown that optical indices of cerebral pulsatility, including pulse amplitude, are linked to cerebrovascular health. A chronically higher pulsatility is associated with cognitive decline. Although it widely known regular physical activity improves functions, little about the association between and index pulsatility. This study assessed impact 12 months on changes in explored its cognition. total 19 older adults (aged 59–79 years) cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) completed study. Low-intensity, short-duration walking as a brief challenge was used post-walking index. The participants walked gym track while near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device recorded hemodynamics data from frontal motor cortex subregions. Our indicated lower global which scores executive functions. Further, reduced after walking, this reduction greater compared baseline. may be an indication improvement response activity. suggests support functions through improving CVRF.