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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
Published on: May 18, 2018
Lactate-driven mitochondrial pretenders hijack hippocampal function after excessive exercise.
1Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.
Vigorous exercise shows a J-shaped effect on cognitive decline, with optimal benefits around 1,000-1,300 MET-minutes/week. Excessive physical activity can harm cognitive function by disrupting brain synapses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Physical activity levels influence cognitive health.
- The precise dose-response relationship between exercise intensity and cognitive decline remains unclear.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms linking exercise and brain function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the J-shaped relationship between vigorous physical activity and cognitive decline.
- To identify the threshold for excessive exercise that may impair cognition.
- To investigate the underlying biological mechanisms, including the role of lactate and mitochondria-derived vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of UK Biobank data.
- Application of mechanistic modeling.
- Conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Main Results:
- A J-shaped curve was observed, indicating maximal cognitive benefits at approximately 1,000-1,300 MET-minutes/week of vigorous activity.
- Excessive exercise levels were associated with cognitive impairment.
- Lactate-driven mitochondria-derived vesicles were implicated in disrupting hippocampal synapses and impairing cognition.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between vigorous exercise and cognitive decline is non-linear, with a defined optimal range.
- Overtraining may negatively impact cognitive function.
- Mitochondria-derived vesicles, particularly those driven by lactate, represent a potential mechanism for exercise-induced cognitive changes.
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