Increasing the level of physical fitness can enhance the positive effects of exercise on the brain. This was reported on March 9 in the journal Medical Xpress.
Scientists have found that the better a person’s physical condition, the more BDNF protein is released in the body after exercise. This protein, the neurotrophic factor of the brain, plays an important role in the formation of new neurons and connections between them, as well as supports the health of existing nerve cells.
The study involved 30 people who had previously led a sedentary lifestyle. The volunteers completed a 12-week training program, which included exercise bike sessions three times a week. As physical fitness improved, scientists observed an increased brain response to physical activity.
It is known that 15 minutes of moderate or high-intensity aerobic activity can increase BDNF levels. However, a new study has shown that after several weeks of regular exercise, the brain begins to respond to physical activity even more strongly.
To assess the changes, scientists regularly conducted tests for maximum oxygen consumption, an indicator of the body’s aerobic endurance. In addition, the participants underwent cognitive tests for attention, memory, and impulse control. The researchers also analyzed the activity of the prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for decision—making, attention, and emotion regulation.
By the end of the experiment, the participants’ baseline BDNF level remained almost unchanged, but after intense training, its release became significantly higher than at the beginning of the program. This coincided with an increase in aerobic endurance.
According to the head of the study, Flaminia Ronchi, the results show that improving physical fitness can enhance the effect of sports on the brain. Moreover, noticeable changes may appear after a few weeks of regular training.
On February 28, Medical Xpress explained the reasons for overeating without feeling hungry. According to the study, the brain continues to actively respond to attractive food signals even after satiation. Scientists have suggested that such reactions may work automatically, like a link developed over the years between a certain food and pleasure.
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