Evidence for exercise-related plasticity in functional and structural neural network connectivity
Junyeon Won1, Daniel D Callow2, Gabriel S Pena1
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|October 16, 2021
Summary
Regular exercise and improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) enhance brain network efficiency and integrity. This positively impacts cognitive and motor functions in adults, supported by neuroimaging evidence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Science
- Brain Health
Background:
- Research on exercise's impact on brain networks is growing.
- Functional and structural connectivity are key brain health indicators.
- Network dynamics explain many exercise-related brain benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroimaging literature on exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) effects on brain networks.
- To understand how exercise/CRF maintain functional and structural brain network integrity in adults.
- To identify trends and knowledge gaps in exercise-network research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of neuroimaging studies.
- Analysis of functional and structural brain connectivity data.
- Examination of exercise performance and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) associations.
Main Results:
- Exercise and CRF modulate functional brain connectivity, correlating with improved cognitive and motor performance.
- Higher physical activity and CRF are linked to enhanced structural network integrity.
- Evidence suggests exercise benefits brain networks across younger and older adults.
Conclusions:
- Exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are crucial for maintaining brain network efficiency and integrity.
- These improvements in brain networks contribute to better cognitive and motor functions.
- Further research is needed to address current knowledge gaps in exercise-network interactions.
Keywords:
Cardiorespiratory fitnessCognitionDiffusion tensor imagingExercisePhysical activityResting state fMRIWhite matter fiber tractsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
926
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
926
00:58Plasticity
2.6K
Plasticity is the property where an object loses its elasticity and undergoes irreversible deformation, even after the deformation forces are eliminated. If a material deforms irreversibly without increasing stress or load, then this is called ideal plasticity. For example, when a force is applied to an aluminum rod, it changes its shape, but it does not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Plastic deformation or ductility is thus a permanent deformation or change in the...
2.6K