Brain structural changes are associated with motor function: A study of healthy young adults from the Human Connectome Project

Abstract

Purpose: There is a known decline in brain volume with age, impacting cognitive health and increasing the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on brain structure and cognitive function with aging. Still, the association between motor function and brain volume in young adults remains unclear.

Materials and Methods: This study utilized high-resolution T1-weighted MRI images and motor function test results from 1082 healthy young adults aged 22-37, sourced from the Human Connectome Project Young Adult (HCP-YA). Motor functions were assessed using four tests: Endurance, Gait Speed, Dexterity, and Strength. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between motor functions and brain volumes, adjusting for demographic variables and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Significant positive correlations were found between Endurance and Strength tests with multiple brain volumes, while Dexterity test showed negative correlations. No significant correlations were observed for the Gait Speed test. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that total brain (β = 0.045, SE = 0.020), total gray matter (GM) (β = 0.035, SE = 0.016), left white matter (WM) (β = 0.058, SE = 0.025), right WM (β = 0.056, SE = 0.025), total WM (β = 0.057, SE = 0.025), and left accumbens (β = -0.072, SE = 0.031) volumes were significantly associated with motor function scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Physical fitness, as measured by motor function tests, is significantly associated with brain structural integrity in young adults. These findings highlight the potential importance of physical activity in maintaining brain health, which could inform strategies to promote active lifestyles and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.