Physical Activity, Sex Hormones, and Brain Blood Flow
Date
2023-09-19
Authors
Smith, Brianne
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Abstract
Physical Activity (PA) and Sex Hormones (SH) are each individually known to mediate cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, what is still unclear is their collective impact on CBF. In MRI studies, increased levels of Estrogen (EST) has been positively correlated with increases in CBF in non-pregnant females, but a contrasting relationship between CBF and Progesterone in similar brain regions. Given that the literature overwhelmingly supports the positive relationship between exercise and CBF, we aimed to include self-reporting of physical activity to account for changes in CBF throughout the menstrual cycle that may not be caused by sex hormone fluctuations but PA. To interrogate this, as part of a larger ongoing PhD project, participants aged 19-40 are being recruited. All participants complete a multi visit protocol, with visit 1 measuring baseline aerobic capacity and physical activity using a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Visits 2, 3, 4, and 5 all include a hormone blood test, and CBF endothelial and arterial stiffness test battery, which includes a CO2 breathing test and a Cold Pressor Test. All CBF measures were achieved using transcranial and vascular duplex ultrasound. PA during visits 2,3,4, and 5 accounted for via self-report data sheet, and GPAQ and PSS questionnaires were repeated on visit 5. As the study is ongoing, preliminary PA and PSS data cannot yet be compared to the CBF or SH data. However, preliminary data shows that both light and moderate PA have the largest fluctuations over a 28-day cycle, and that the female participant had higher moderate and light PA than the male participant.
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Keywords
Exercise, Hormones, CBF