Findings from three research paradigms that employed aerobic exercise as an independent variable were used to test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise improves cognitive-neuropsychological functioning. The research paradigms were animal intervention studies, cross-sectional human studies, and human intervention studies. Results from studies of animals, usually rodents, provide consistent evidence that aerobic fitness is associated with improved neurobiological and behavioral functioning. Cross-sectional studies with humans indicate a strong positive association between physical activity level and cognitive-neuropsychological performance. However, results from these studies must be interpreted cautiously, as individuals who elect to exercise or not exercise may differ on other variables that could influence cognitive-neuropsychological performance. To date, human intervention studies have not consistently demonstrated cognitive-neuropsychological improvements following exercise training. To satisfactorily test the exercise/cognition hypothesis with humans, carefully controlled intervention studies that last longer than those previously employed are needed.

Gappmaier, E.; Spencer, M. K.; Hicks, R. W.; While, A.; Mino, L.; Dustman, R.; Emmerson, R.; Pelajan, J. H. Author Information

.Older females consistently demonstrate larger PREP amplitudes than males and there is some consensus that CNS dimorphism does not explain the magnitude of this gender difference. Comparison of gender differences for visually evoked responses to patterned and nonpatterned stimuli suggest that females may have enhanced visual system responsivity to increases in spatial frequencies. PREP amplitude may also be influenced by single trial response variability. Potential contributions of this factor to PREP gender differences have not been investigated. This study evaluated the contributions of check size and single trial response variability to gender differences in PREP amplitudes. For 21 males and 21 females aged 61–75 years, no gender differences in visual acuity, critical flicker fusion threshold, or PREP component latency were observed. Females had larger amplitude PREPs than males, and had a larger differential response to small (15') and large (30') check sizes. Single trial response variability did not account for gender differences in averaged PREP amplitudes. These results suggest that gender differences in visual system responsivity may underlie the larger PREP amplitudes which have consistently been reported for females. The pattern of PREP amplitude gender differences across the lifespan suggests a hormonal influence on visual spatial frequency processing.

.The central nervous system undergoes structural and functional changes during normal aging. Associated with age-related neuroanatomical, behavioral, and sensory alterations are changes in the EEG as reflected in slowed background frequency, emergence of delta and theta waves, and focal activity in the temporal areas. The current status of age-related EEG changes is reviewed in order to provide a background for continued study on aging and brain function by EEG technologists.

.Electrophysiological recording has proven clinical utility for the management of hydrocephalus. EEG and evoked potentials can assist in monitoring the effects of shunt therapy.

The literature which suggests that rehabilitation of adult brain injury is both feasible and necessary is reviewed. It is argued that attentional deficits are clinically important, and that these deficits are likely to be ameliorated by cognitive rehabilitation. Elements necessary for the success of an attentional deficit remediation program are described.