Neurovascular coupling and distribution of cerebral blood flow during exercise

We examined how cerebral blood flow velocity (CBV) and neurovascular coupling is influenced by exercise. Blood velocities in the posterior and middle cerebral arteries (PCAv and MCAv) during rest and cycling exercise at 60% estimated maximal oxygen consumption were measured. Neurovascular coupling was quantified as the ΔPCAv with visual stimulation. During exercise, despite a 15.2 ± 13.6% and 26.1 ± 22.5% increase from rest in the MCAv and PCAv, respectively, neurovascular coupling was unaltered. Thus, despite regionally heterogeneous elevations in CBV during exercise, neurometabolic coupling is maintained.

► We measured middle and posterior cerebral artery blood velocity during exercise.
► There is a regional heterogeneous increase in CBF during exercise.
► Neurovascular coupling to a visual stimulus is maintained during exercise.