Differential modulation of resting-state functional connectivity between amygdala and precuneus after acute physical exertion of varying intensity: indications for a role in affective regulation.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity influences psychological well-being. This study aimed to determine the impact of exercise intensity on psychological well-being and alterations in emotion-related brain functional connectivity (FC).

METHODS: Twenty young, healthy, trained athletes performed a low- and high-intensity interval exercise (LIIE and HIIE) as well as a control condition in a within-subject crossover design. Before and after each condition, Positive And Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) was assessed as well as resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). Voxel-wise FC was examined for bilateral amygdala seed region to whole-brain and emotion-related anatomical regions (e.g., insula, temporal pole, precuneus). Data analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models with fixed factors condition and time.

RESULTS: The PANAS Positive Affect scale showed a significant increase after LIIE and HIIE and a significant reduction in Negative Affect after the control condition. In rs-fMRI, no significant condition-by-time interactions were observed between the amygdala and whole brain. Amygdala-precuneus FC analysis showed an interaction effect, suggesting reduced post-exercise anticorrelation after the control condition, but stable, or even slightly enhanced anticorrelation for the exercise conditions, especially HIIE.

DISCUSSION: In conclusion, both LIIE and HIIE had positive effects on mood and concomitant effects on amygdala-precuneus FC, particularly after HIIE. Although no significant correlations were found between amygdala-precuneus FC and PANAS, results should be discussed in the context of affective disorders in whom abnormal amygdala-precuneus FC has been observed.

Copyright © 2024 Lohaus, Maurer, Upadhyay, Daamen, Bodensohn, Werkhausen, Manunzio, Manunzio, Radbruch, Attenberger and Boecker.

PMID: 38646163