Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions. However, it is still unknown which type of exercise affects cognition. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a demanding balance training program improves memory and spatial cognition. Forty healthy participants aged 19–65 years were randomly assigned to either a balance or relaxation training intervention. Each group exercised twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. Pre- and posttests assessed balance performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, memory, spatial cognition, and executive functions. Only the balance group significantly increased in balance performance from pre- to posttest, while cardiorespiratory fitness remained unchanged in both groups. Moreover, the balance group significantly improved in memory and spatial cognition. Effects on executive functions were not observed. These results suggest that balance training is capable of improving particularly memory and spatial cognition. Therefore, an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness does not seem to be necessary to induce beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognition. It might be speculated that stimulating the vestibular system during balance training induces changes of the hippocampus and parietal cortex possibly via direct pathways between the vestibular system and these brain regions.
A blood donor of the phenotype Rh(null) was found at his 6th donation to
have an antibody which had not been there before: he had never been transfused. The
antibody reacts by the saline, albumin and enzyme methods but not by the antiglobulin
(IgG). It reacted with all cells tested except the donor's own and those of two available
Rh(null) people and, surprisingly, those of three available -D-/-D- people: it is apparently
directed at the CcEe part of the Rh antigen complex.
Like other Rhmiii propositi the donor has a compensated anaemia and his s and U
antigens give some abnormal reactions. His parents are second cousins. Serological and
pedigree evidence did not disclose his type of Rh(null), ‘regulator' or amorph.
Physical and cognitive variables: Means (SD) at pre-and posttest separately for the balance and the relaxation group. Note. Bold print differences denote significant results. GSI = Global Severity Index of psychopathological symptoms. MET = Metabolic equivalents, CoP = Center of pressure. "
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