Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Physical activity is related to the structural integrity of cerebral white matter
Rob A R Gons1, Anil M Tuladhar, Karlijn F de Laat
1From the Department of Neurology (R.A.R.G.), Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Center for Neuroscience, Departments of Neurology (R.A.R.G., A.M.T., K.F.d. L., A.G.W.v.N., E.J.v.D., F.-E.d.L.) and Psychiatry (M.P.Z.), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center; and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Nijmegen (D.G.N., M.P.Z.), the Netherlands.
Objective:
To investigate the relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of cerebral white matter.
Methods:
Four hundred forty individuals with cerebral small-vessel disease, aged between 50 and 85 years, without dementia, were included and underwent MRI scanning. Physical exercise was assessed with a structured questionnaire. The cross-sectional relation between physical exercise and the microstructural integrity of the white matter was assessed by applying Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to diffusion tensor imaging parameters.
Results:
Being more physically active was negatively related to the mean, axial, and radial diffusivity in numerous regions of the white matter, indicative of higher white matter integrity.
Conclusions:
These data indicate an association between physical activity and the integrity of the cerebral white matter's microstructure. Prospective studies are required to investigate a possible causal association between physical activity and cognitive decline.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Neuroplasticity

