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Exercise is brain food: the effects of physical activity on cognitive function
1Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Program, Eastern Health Authority, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. mploughm@mun.ca
Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|September 11, 2008
Summary
Regular physical activity benefits cognitive function and brain health in youth, particularly those with physical disabilities. Moderate exercise is key for neurotrophin support and optimal brain plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Clinical research
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Youth with physical disabilities are less active, potentially missing exercise benefits for cardiovascular fitness and brain health.
- Physical activity in animal models enhances memory, learning, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection.
- Neurotrophins, supporting brain plasticity, are likely mediators of exercise's cognitive benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on physical exercise and cognitive function in youth, with a focus on those with disabilities.
- To explore the role of neurotrophins in mediating exercise's effects on the brain.
- To examine the impact of exercise intensity on neurotrophin levels and stress hormones.
Main Methods:
- Review of selected biomedical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of animal models demonstrating exercise's effects on the nervous system.
- Examination of clinical data on exercise interventions in children with cerebral palsy and reading difficulties.
Main Results:
- Exercise enhances memory, learning, and neuroprotection, mediated by neurotrophins.
- Clinical studies show exercise improves executive processing, cognition in children with cerebral palsy, and phonemic skills.
- Moderate, prolonged, low-intensity exercise sustains neurotrophin levels, while high-intensity exercise may elevate stress hormones.
Conclusions:
- Moderate physical activity is crucial for brain plasticity in all youth.
- Exercise offers significant cognitive and brain health benefits for young people with physical disabilities.
- Optimizing exercise intensity is important for maximizing neurotrophin benefits and minimizing stress responses.
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