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Involvement of Dopamine in Cognitive Improvement by Aerobic Exercise.
Soichi Ando1, Toshihiko Fujimoto2, Mizuki Sudo3
1Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. soichi.ando@uec.ac.jp.
Advances in Neurobiology
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Acute exercise enhances cognitive function, potentially by increasing dopamine (DA) release in the brain. Further research using positron emission tomography (PET) can clarify this exercise-cognition link.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Acute physical exercise is linked to improved cognitive function.
- The exact physiological mechanisms behind exercise-induced cognitive benefits are not fully understood.
- Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter implicated in cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of dopamine (DA) in the cognitive improvements associated with acute exercise.
- To discuss DA as a potential mediator of the exercise-cognition interaction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on exercise, cognitive function, and neurotransmitter release.
- Discussion of findings from rodent studies on exercise and neurotransmitter release.
- Consideration of recent human studies using positron emission tomography (PET) to assess endogenous DA release.
Main Results:
- Acute exercise has been shown to release neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), in the brain.
- Evidence suggests a link between endogenous DA release and cognitive improvements following acute exercise.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) studies indicate acute exercise can increase DA levels in humans.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine (DA) is a strong candidate for explaining the link between acute exercise and enhanced cognitive function.
- Further research utilizing PET imaging is recommended to advance understanding of exercise-induced cognitive benefits.
- Investigating the DA system's role is crucial for understanding the exercise-cognition relationship.
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