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EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON MOTOR COORDINATION IN A MODEL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

S Stranger
S Hall

Abstract

S. Stranger, S. Hall

Boise State University, Boise, ID

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurological disease that results in a progressive cognitive decline. There is currently no cure for this disease, and it has risen to be the third leading cause of death in older adults. In addition to the well-studied declines in memory and cognition, AD causes declines in motor coordination impeding the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. The mechanisms of motor coordination declines are not well understood. PURPOSE: This study utilized a novel transgenic rat model that replicates the human brain of AD to evaluate the changes in motor coordination and the effect of exercise. The hypotheses are that motor coordination will decline in these animal models genotyped to have AD compared to wild type (WT) littermates, as well as aerobic exercise will have a positive effect by improving motor coordination in the animal models with AD. METHODS: Following genotyping, animals were randomly assigned to undergo treadmill training (EX) or remain sedentary (SED). At twelve months of age, EX animals began a progression forced treadmill training protocol for four months. At 16 months of age, motor coordination was analyzed using a Rotarod. RESULTS: While not statistically significant (p<.05), there was a trend toward improved motor coordination in animals undergoing treadmill training. Most importantly, the trend was evident in AD animals. As the animals age, it is expected to see an even greater improvement. CONCLUSION: This pilot study is a strong first step to understand the impact of AD on motor coordination and future tissue analysis will shed light on the mechanisms of this apparent decline in motor coordination.

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