Acute cardiovascular exercise (aCE) seems to be a promising strategy to improve motor performance and learning. However, results are heterogeneous, and the related neurophysiological mechanisms are not well understood. Oscillatory brain activitiy, such as task-related power (TRPow) in the alpha and beta frequencies, are known neural signatures of motor activity. Here, we tested the effects of aCE on motor performance and learning, along with corresponding modulations in EEG TRPow over the sensorimotor cortex. Forty-five right-handed participants (aged 18–34 years) practiced a visuomotor force-matching (FM) task after either high-intensity (HEG), low-intensity (LEG), or no exercise (control group, CG). Motor performance was assessed immediately, 15 min, 30 min, and 24 h after aCE/control. EEG was measured during the FM task. Results of frequentist and Bayesian statistics revealed that high- and low-intensity aCE had no effect at the behavioral level, adding to the previous mixed results. Interestingly, EEG analyses showed an effect of aCE on the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, with a stronger decrease in β-TRPow 15 min after exercise in both groups compared to the CG. Overall, aCE applied before motor practice increased ipsilateral sensorimotor activity, while motor learning was not affected; it remains to be seen whether aCE might affect motor learning in the long run.

Depression affects around 280 million people globally, with a lifetime prevalence of 20% for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Core MDD symptoms are impaired executive functions (EF), such as inhibitory cognitive control. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is linked to improved cognitive function, but whether this also applies to MDD patients remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between CRF and inhibitory control in 66 MDD patients (33 females, aged 18-63). Participants underwent VO2max testing after completing a flanker task while event-related potentials (ERPs) (N1, N2, P3) were assessed. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the influence of CRF on flanker performance and ERP components, controlling for MDD severity, negative affect, and demographic variables. CRF explained 15% of the variance in flanker performance (∆R² = 0.15, p < .001), with the final model (including all variables) explaining 47 %. This positive effect of CRF was independent of MDD severity. Concerning the ERP correlates, CRF showed a medium effect on N1 latency at O1 (β = -0.32, p = .04, ∆R² = 0.07, p = .04) with shorter latency in fitter individuals. The study's cross-sectional design and moderate sample size limits causal inference. CRF was positively related to inhibitory cognitive control in MDD patients, independent of symptom severity, suggesting cognitive benefits. Earlier N1-peaks in fitter individuals suggest potential higher neural efficiency. Limited associations with ERP components indicate complex neural mechanisms, warranting further research. MDD treatments integrating physical exercise could contribute to improving cognitive health and mitigate decline.

Open Science is an important development in science, not only to overcome the replication crisis or crisis of confidence but also to openly and transparently describe research processes to enable replication and reproduction. This study describes the current state of the art within German-speaking sport psychology regarding open science-related attitudes, behaviors, and intentions and identifies the reasons for a potential reluctance toward open science. The findings revealed a match between open science-related attitudes and intentions, although open science-related behaviors still fall behind those two. We discovered time constraints, time allocation issues, and anticipated competitive disadvantages if not all researchers adhere to open science practices as the reasons behind this behavioral reluctance. Our findings suggest that the development of open science has clearly reached the German-speaking sport-psychological community, but that there is considerable potential for improvement – especially regarding behaviors.

Background:Older adults with multimorbidity and depressive symptoms are particularly vulnerable during the transition from (partial) inpatient to outpatient care, with a high risk of readmission and rehospitalization due to substantial barriers in accessing appropriate mental healthcare. The BRIDGE intervention addresses this critical transition through a structured, manualized, interdisciplinary treatment program aimed primarily at improving depressive symptoms.Methods:BRIDGE is a 12-week blended care intervention that combines two evidence-based therapeutic strategies—behavioral activation (BA) and physical exercise (PE)—to promote structured daily activity and improve mood and physical health. The program is delivered by an interprofessional team consisting of a nurse, psychologist, and exercise scientist at each study center, and includes both home visits and digital components via a tablet-based e-health platform. Core elements comprise BA exercises in line with behavioral change techniques, and a video-guided home-based PE program. The multicenter two-arm randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the BRIDGE intervention compared to treatment as usual. The post-discharge maintenance or improvement of the outcome of inpatient treatment for depressive symptoms is considered as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include reductions in recurrent hospital admissions, improvements in physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning as well as quality of life, and evidence of a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio.Discussion:BRIDGE offers a comprehensive, scalable intervention model that integrates behavioral and physical activation into the daily life of older patients with multimorbidity and depressive symptoms. By embedding hybrid delivery formats, structured interprofessional collaboration, and a focus on sustainable home-based routines, the intervention addresses the complex needs of older multimorbid adults during a critical care transition. Findings from this trial will inform future implementation in diverse healthcare settings and contribute to evidence-based service development in geriatric mental health.