Master Athletes and cognitive performance: What are the potential explanatory neurophysiological mechanisms?

Abstract

Regular physical activity has been recognized as an effective strategy for limiting the cognitive decline observed during aging. Much evidence has supported that maintaining a high level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better cognitive performances across the lifespan. From childhood to adulthood, a high level of physical activity will have a positive impact on cerebral health. More specifically, executive performance seems to be preferentially affected by the level of fitness. This is partly because the prefrontal cortex, which governs these functions, seems to be very sensitive to physical activity levels. Today many neurophysiological mechanisms that explain the improvement of the cognitive performance are relatively well identified. A question then arises as to what is the optimal dose of physical activity to observe these effects on our brain. An example of successful aging is the example of the Master Athletes. This category of people who have been training and competing throughout their lives, demonstrate high levels of fitness induced by a high level of physical activity. Some studies seem to confirm that Master Athletes have better cognitive performances than sedentary or less active subjects. The aim of this review is to identify studies assessing the cognitive performance of Master Athletes and report on the probable neurophysiological mechanisms that explain the cognitive benefits in this population.