Sex-Specific Relationship Between Physical Activity and Brain Perfusion

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that cerebral blood flow (CBF) declines consistently in aging, contributing to several late-life diseases. A study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, investigated the relationship between physical activity (PA) and CBF in different sexes and age groups. The findings suggest that PA is a powerful preventative tool to improve vascular health and preserve CBF, with females benefiting most throughout the lifespan. The researchers concluded that sex-specific recommendations for PA intensity are crucial for maximizing brain health benefits, highlighting the need for updating public health guidelines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 573 participants aged 36 to 90 years from the Human Connectome Lifespan Aging dataset.
  • Linear and quadratic regressions revealed significant relationships between CBF and PA intensities in each of the four sex-age groups.
  • Vigorous PA in middle-aged males was related to greater CBF, while males aged 36-60 showed a quadratic relationship between PA intensity and CBF.
  • Females, particularly those aged 61-80, exhibited a significant positive relationship between moderate PA and CBF.
  • The sex-specific findings suggest that tailoring PA recommendations to age and sex can maximize brain health benefits.
  • According to the researchers, public health guidelines should be updated to address and incorporate sex-specific PA recommendations.

Statistics:

  • 573 participants were included in the study from the Human Connectome Lifespan Aging dataset.
  • 36-90 years: the age range of the participants.
  • 4 groups: males aged 36-60, females aged 36-60, males aged 61-90, females aged 61-90.
  • Vigorous PA in middle-aged males was related to greater CBF (P < 0.05).
  • 80% of the total variance in CBF was explained by the sex-specific models.

Sources:

  • Sex matters: the effect of physical activity on brain perfusion. The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, 2025;80(11).
  • NewsRx. Investigators at Department of Physics Have Reported New Data on Geriatrics and Gerontology (Sex matters: the effect of physical activity on brain perfusion). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 1976.