Tic frequency and behavioural measures of cognitive control are improved in individuals with Tourette syndrome by aerobic exercise training

Abstract

Previous observations of improvements in cognition in typically developing children following moderate to vigorous exercise (e.g. Budde, Voelcker-Rehage, Pietrabyk-Kendziorra, Ribeiro, and Tidow, 2008;Hillman et al., 2009) have led to increased interest in the potential benefits of exercise for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, involving difficulties in selfregulation (e.g. Halperin and Healy, 2011;Archer and Kostrzewa, 2012). Using a withinsample design, the current study looked at the beneficial effects of non-aerobic movement training (Tai Chi), compared to aerobic movement training (Kick Boxing), on behavioural measures of cognitive control and clinical measures of tic severity in a group of young people with Tourette Syndrome (TS). We demonstrate that Kick Boxing, but not Tai Chi, led to a significant enhancement in cognitive control task performance. Furthermore, while tic frequency (tics per minute) was reduced during both types of exercise, this reduction was significantly greater, and sustained for longer, following Kick Boxing. Importantly, the magnitude of the increase in cognitive control following Kick Boxing predicted the degree of reduction in tic frequency. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise may be a useful intervention for improving self-regulation of tics in young people with TS, probably through enhancements in associated cognitive control circuits.

Tourette syndrome research highlights from 2020

“…Jackson et al . propose that aerobic exercise training (kick boxing) decreased tic frequency in young people with TS (n = 18, age 10-20 years), likely through enhancement of cognitive control ( Jackson et al . 2020 ).…”

“…Physical exercise is advocated as positive for a plethora of somatic and mental disorders these days, and TS is no exception. Jackson et al propose that aerobic exercise training (kick boxing) decreased tic frequency in young people with TS (n = 18, age 10-20 years), likely through enhancement of cognitive control (Jackson et al 2020). Interestingly, tic frequency reduction was less in a Tai Chi group, in which cognitive control enhancement was not significantly altered compared to controls.…”

“…Interestingly, tic frequency reduction was less in a Tai Chi group, in which cognitive control enhancement was not significantly altered compared to controls. Thus, the type of physical exercise is important, "aerobic" being the key word here (Jackson et al 2020). In the same vein, but on an observational basis, Pringsheim et al report that in 110 children with TS, less vigorous physical activity indeed correlated with tic severity.…”

Longitudinal bidirectional relationships between maternal depressive/anxious symptoms and children’s tic frequency in early adolescence

“…In addition, several studies have shown that tic frequency can be influenced by antecedent environmental events and social consequences although they referred relatively immediate and short term reaction. For example, some activities reduce tic frequency such as focusing attention away from tics (60), aerobic exercise training (61) and participation in musical activity (62) .There are no reports of an association between maternal psychiatric symptoms and the course of children's tics. However, some studies have shown an association between maternal psychiatric symptoms and the course of children's psychiatric symptoms.…”

Longitudinal Bidirectional Relationships Between Maternal Depressive/Anxious Symptoms and Children's Tic Frequency in Early Adolescence

“…In addition, several studies have shown that tic frequency can be influenced by antecedent environmental events and social consequences although they referred relatively immediate and short term reaction. For example, some activities reduce tic frequency such as focusing attention away from tics ( 60 ), aerobic exercise training ( 61 ) and participation in musical activity ( 62 ). There are no reports of an association between maternal psychiatric symptoms and the course of children's tics.…”