Exercise and the brain

Many evidences demonstrated that physical exercise (PE) affects brain plasticity, influencing cognition and wellbeing (Weinberg and Gould, 2015; for review see Fernandes et al., 2017). In fact, experimental and clinical studies have reported that PE induces structural and functional changes in the brain, determining enormous biological, and psychological benefits. In general, when reported PE effects, it is customary to separate the biological aspects from the psychological ones. In fact, most of the studies documented either the effects of PE on the brain (and then on the cognitive functioning) or on the wellbeing (in terms of physical and mental health). In this review, we merge both these aspects as they influence each other. In fact, behaviorally appropriate choices depend upon efficient cognitive functioning. Furthermore, emotional states influence cognitive functions through specific cerebral circuitry involving prefrontal areas and limbic structures (Barbas, 2000). Before analyzing the benefits of PE, it is necessary to define PE precisely. Indeed, PE is a term often incorrectly used interchangeably with physical activity (PA) that is “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure” (World Health Organization, 2010). Then, PA includes any motor behavior such as daily and leisure activities and it is considered a determinant lifestyle for general health status (Burkhalter and Hillman, 2011). Instead, PE is “a sub classification of PA that is planned, structured, repetitive, and has as a final or an intermediate objective the improvement or maintenance of one or more components of physical fitness” (World Health Organization, 2010). Examples of PE are aerobic and anaerobic activity, characterized by a precise frequency, duration and intensity. In this review, we illustrate the biological and psychological benefits of PE on cognition and wellbeing both in health and diseases, reporting data from both animal and human studies. The biological basis at both molecular and supramolecular level have been largely studied. The other aim of present work is to report the actual evidence on the epigenetic mechanisms that determine or modulate the biological effects of PE on the brain. In fact, while the biologic mechanisms are sufficiently studied both at the molecular and supramolecular levels (see Lista and Sorrentino, 2010), little is known about the epigenetic ones. Finally, the modality with which PE should be practiced to gain such advantages while avoiding negative consequences will be discussed. In Table 1 are reported the inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies discussed in this review. read more


Mandolesi, Laura, Arianna Polverino, Simone Montuori, Francesca Foti, Giampaolo Ferraioli, Pierpaolo Sorrentino, and Giuseppe Sorrentino. "Effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning and wellbeing: biological and psychological benefits." Frontiers in psychology 9 (2018): 509.