Topic: ripple-spindle coupling

Physical Exercise (PE) is widely acknowledged for its positive impact on cognition and specifically on short-term memory. However, the precise neurophysiological mechanisms of performance improvements are unclear. We developed an MEG-compatible pedal exercises – mimicking walking – to explore PE’s impact on working memory (WM). In simultaneous MEG/EEG recordings participants carried out an N-back task with varying WM loads across blocks and either rested or walked during 2-min-breaks between blocks. PE improved target detection, heightened EEG-spindle activity. MEG ripples (80-150Hz) displayed