Table 6 Overview of studies on chronic physical activity and motor learning

[19*]

OA: n = 41, f = 0, 60–80, n/a.; YA: n = 43, f = 0, 20–30, n/a

Visuospatial accuracy (Mirror tracing task, R)

EEG (alpha activity)

Sj: PAQ (modified Baecke), Oj: CFT (sub-maximal bicycle test, estimated VO₂max)

Acquisition (175 trials), retention (2 d later, 20 trials). Fitness: median split: estimated VO₂max, YA median: 41.11 ml/kg/min, OA median: 26.01 ml/kg/min

Positive association of cardiovascular fitness and acquisition of mirror tracing. No association of cardiovascular fitness and retention.

[21*]

OA: n = 18, f = 8, 60–80, 68.0 ± 5.9; YA: n = 20, f = 10, 20–40, 24.2 ± 5.2

Visuospatial accuracy (Mirror tracing task, R)

EEG (alpha activity)

Oj: CFT (submaximal bicycle test, estimated VO₂max)

Acquisition (approximately 87 trials), retention (24–72 h later, 40 trials. Fitness: regression analyses of VO₂max and motor learning

Positive association of cardiovascular fitness and acquisition and retention of a mirror tracing.

[89*]

All OA: fit: n = 14, 64–76, n/a; non fit: n = 14, 64–76, n/a.

Rapid arm reaching movements (motor adaptation/ visuomotor rotation)

/

Sj: PAQ (Stanford Brief Activity Survey), Oj: accelerometer

Baseline (80 trials), training (192 trials), transfer (192 trials). Physical activity: active (≥ 30 min, ≥ 3 d/wk. of AE) vs. inactive (≤ 2 d/wk. low-intensity exercise)

Active OA showed similar motor adaptation pattern to YA (asymmetrical transfer), inactive OA revealed a different pattern (symmetrical transfer).