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The intergenerational effects of parental physical activity on offspring brain and neurocognition in humans: A

Sarah R Valkenborghs1, Paige C Dent2, Chelsea M Stillman3

  • 1School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|November 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity during pregnancy positively impacts offspring brain development. More research is needed on paternal physical activity

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Animal models indicate physical activity (PA) influences intergenerational brain health.
  • Human studies on parental PA effects on offspring neurocognition are limited.
  • Existing literature primarily focuses on maternal PA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a scoping review of human literature on parental PA and offspring brain health.
  • To identify knowledge gaps in this research area.
  • To provide recommendations for future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search for experimental and observational human studies.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on parental PA (preconception/prenatal) and offspring neurocognition.
  • Data extraction and synthesis by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen studies (4 experimental, 10 observational) involving 93,486 parent-child dyads were included.
  • Maternal PA exposure (prenatal or preconception) showed positive associations with offspring brain and neurocognitive development.
  • Observational studies consistently found positive links, while experimental studies showed mixed results.

Conclusions:

  • Human evidence suggests maternal PA positively influences offspring brain development.
  • Significant knowledge gaps exist, especially regarding paternal preconception PA.
  • Future research should prioritize experimental designs, longer follow-up periods, and mechanistic assessments.

Keywords:
ExerciseNeurodevelopmentNeuroplasticityPhysical activityPregnancy

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