An Acute Exercise Intervention to Ameliorate Behavioral and Neurophysiological Indices of Inhibitory Control Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) Study

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

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Abstract

Inhibitory control deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), with clear manifestations seen in psychophysiological, electrophysiological, and neuroanatomical measures of these processes. Addressing these symptoms is of critical clinical relevance since they are a main predictor of negative vocational and psychosocial outcomes. An intriguing set of findings has suggested physical activity and exercise can have a positive effect on SSD symptomatology, but the exercise-linked neural changes that may result in improved inhibitory control is unknown. Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) technologies enable the assessment of cognitive control processes in participants using high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG) during task performance and physical activity. During the F99 phase, using cutting-edge MoBI technologies, I will test if a single acute walking intervention will mitigate behavioral and neurophysiological indices of inhibitory control deficits in SSDs (Aim 1A) and if individuals with SSDs showing significant improvement in inhibitory control performance and normalization of inhibition-related event-related-potential (ERP) components to neurotypical adults have less severe psychosis symptoms (Aim 1B). In Aim 2, I examine the underlying structural-functional neural bases and behavior of disturbances in cognitive control and sensory processing among people with and at risk for SSDs. Upon completion of both phases, I will become a multimodal neuroimaging and computational psychiatry expert in SSDs. Learning neuroimaging methods (fMRI) and computational models to stimulate the complex dynamics of brain function and behavior, alongside environmental factors, will enable me to identify the underlying mechanisms of SSDs and propel the field forward in developing personalized treatments. The training received during the F99/K00 phases will prepare me for the transition to a faculty position at a R1 institution, where I will lead a distinguished neuroscience program and implement educational opportunities with initiatives to expand access to neuroscience education and instill a passion for science to young individuals of the local community. As an expert in multimodal neuroimaging and computational psychiatry, I will continue pursuing similar K00 research, expanding my focus to include individuals with psychosis across all stages of illness, prodromal, early and chronic, to investigate variations in the sensory-cognitive neural circuits underlying auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as develop personalized treatment algorithms. I am firmly committed to providing practical, tractable solutions to individuals with SSDs through basic knowledge.