Neurohemodynamic Modulation of Executive Control: Acute Aerobic Exercise Alterations in Frontoparietal and Default Mode Network Connectivity in Pediatric and Preterm Populations

Abstract

Background: Executive function (EF) deficits are hallmark characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder  (ADHD) and neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with very preterm birth. While acute aerobic exercise is known to transiently enhance cognitive performance, the neural mechanisms driving these behavioral improvements—specifically regarding functional connectivity (FC) within the Frontoparietal Network (FPN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN)—remain insufficiently characterized.

Methods: This study utilized a within-subjects counterbalanced design involving three cohorts: children with ADHD, adolescents born very preterm with diffuse white matter abnormalities, and age-matched healthy controls. Participants underwent resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) following two distinct conditions: a 20-minute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and a sedentary control session. Cognitive performance was assessed using inhibitory control tasks (Flanker/Stroop) immediately post-intervention.

Results: Behavioral analysis revealed significant reductions in reaction time and error rates across all groups following the exercise condition compared to rest. Neuroimaging data indicated a significant increase in functional connectivity within the FPN and anticorrelation between the FPN and DMN post-exercise. Notably, the preterm group exhibited distinct connectivity alterations suggestive of compensatory neural recruitment.

Conclusion: Acute aerobic exercise serves as a potent modulator of large-scale brain network dynamics, enhancing the segregation and integration of networks critical for executive control. These findings support the prescription of targeted physical activity as a complementary therapeutic strategy for pediatric populations with attentional and cognitive deficits.

Keywords:

Functional Connectivity, Executive Function, Aerobic Exercise

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