Exercise and the Brain

The brain is amazingly dynamic. It is is not a fixed organ and, as such, it is plyable and plastic. New research indicates that there is in fact a real connection bewteeen exercise and brain health and in turn, life long learning. Neuroplasticity indicates that the brain is not hard-wired. The brain responds to exercise much the way the body ( heart, lungs and muscles) does. The brain actually changes its structure and function by building new neurons, creating new connections between neurons ( synapses) and also creating brand new blood vessels.

Physical activity ( endurance, strength and skill training) changes the neurochemistry, structure and function of the brain:

- Motor skill training builds synapses.
- Endurance training builds blood vessels.
- Strength training builds synapses.

These changes in the brain impact our cognitive, sensory, motor and emotional behaviors.
Furthermore, the neurobiological changes can help treat and possibly prevent a number of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and neurological disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Exercise Improves Cognitive Function:

Research indicates that aerobic training improves cognitive performance in both children ( better verbal, perceptual and mathematical test scores) and adults ( decreasing age -realted risks for cognitive impairment and dementia). Exercise increases the supply of glucose and oxygen that brain neurons require for function and longevity. Neurochemicals known as "growth factors" increase in the brain in both number and size during exercise. These growth factors keep neurons healthy and reduce their susceptibility to cell death - combating the onset of certain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Exercise Changes Brain Function:

Active individuals show greater baseline levels of cortical activity and more activity in various brain regions when performing cognitive tests ( cerberal cortex).
Brain areas that are engaged during movement are also affected ( motor cortex).

Exercise Changes Brain Structure:

Research indicates that exercise boosts overall brain volume ( both grey and white matter).
Also aerobic exercise increases neurogenesis ( generation of new neurons) within the hippocampus ( involved with memory formation and processing emotions) at many developmental stages - neonatal, juvenile, adult. The enhanced neurogenesis benefit of exercise may be the neurobiological mechanism by which regular exercise reduces depression.