GABA, Aging and Exercise: Functional and Intervention Considerations.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analysis
PubMed 39377050 · doi:10.1177/26331055241285880
What was done
This narrative review evaluated literature on the opposing effects of aging and exercise on brain health, focusing on cortical inhibition and the functional integrity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. The authors reviewed in vivo measurement modalities, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), alongside recent technological and methodological advances used to assess GABAergic function.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative findings, statistical analyses, or numerical effect sizes. It qualitatively describes that aging is associated with declines in cortical inhibition and GABA function, whereas physical activity and cardiovascular fitness may counteract these declines by supporting or restoring inhibitory GABAergic pathways.
Why it matters
Understanding how physical exercise influences GABAergic neurophysiology provides mechanistic targets for developing targeted interventions to preserve cognitive function in older adults.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without a systematic search strategy, formal study selection criteria, or quantitative synthesis. No specific sample sizes, clinical populations, or details regarding exercise modalities, intensities, or durations are provided.
Cited by
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