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Physical exercise and cortical thickness in healthy controls: a pilot study.
S Bashir1, F Al-Sultan, A A Jamea
1Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. sbashir10@gmail.com.
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|December 17, 2021
Summary
Regular physical exercise boosts brain structure, increasing cortical thickness in key areas. This study highlights the benefits of fitness programs for brain health in healthy individuals and patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical exercise is linked to improved brain function and increased cortical size.
- Understanding the specific brain changes associated with exercise is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cortical changes associated with a structured physical exercise program.
- To assess the impact of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on brain structure.
Main Methods:
- 45 subjects were divided into an exercise group (n=25) and a non-exercise control group (n=20).
- The exercise group completed a 6-month intervention of aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and FreeSurfer software were used to measure cortical thickness.
Main Results:
- The exercise group showed significantly increased cortical thickness compared to the control group.
- Specific areas with increased thickness included the left pericalcarine, left superior parietal, right rostral middle frontal, and right lateral occipital gyri.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical exercise demonstrably enhances brain structures, specifically cortical thickness.
- These findings support the positive effects of physical activity on the brain in healthy individuals and those with medical conditions.
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