Neural Changes of Exercise: a Functional MRI Study

"Each exercise class consisted of a warm-up, an aerobic and a cool-down phase, supervised by a physiotherapist. The warm up and cool down phases consisted of 5-7 minutes of low intensity aerobic exercise, \< 40% Heart Rate Reserve (HHR), to allow the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems to adapt and recover, respectively.~The aerobic component initially consisted of 21 minutes at an intensity of 40-59% HRR and was progressed to 42 minutes at 55-75% HRR by week 8 until programme completion. All participants worked at the same intensity and duration at the various time points throughout the study. Continuous, rhythmic exercise using large muscle groups was prescribed using treadmills, cycle ergometers and other aerobic exercise that increased heart rate to its prescribed level."