Shaping the adult brain with exercise during development: Emerging evidence and knowledge gaps. Issue 78 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perez, Emma C.; Bravo, Diana R.; Rodgers, Shaefali P.; Khan, Ali R.; Leasure, J. Leigh
• Is Part Of: International journal of developmental neuroscience. Issue 78(2019:Nov.)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Physical activity -- Glia -- Vasculature -- Fiber tracts -- Dendrites -- Cognition; Developmental neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurologie du développement -- Périodiques; Developmental neurobiology; Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-5748

Abstract

Highlights: Exercise during development increases the volume of the adult brain. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise during development enhances adult cognition. Effects of developmental inactivity and adult brain function are under-studied. Studies on the enduring effects of developmental exercise in adulthood are necessary. Abstract: Exercise is known to produce a myriad of positive effects on the brain, including increased glia, neurons, blood vessels, white matter and dendritic complexity. Such effects are associated with enhanced cognition and stress resilience in humans and animal models. As such, exercise represents a positive experience with tremendous potential to influence brain development and shape an adult brain capable of responding to life's challenges. Although substantial evidence attests to the benefits of exercise for cognition in children and adolescents, the vast majority of existing studies examine acute effects. Nonetheless, there is emerging evidence indicating that exercise during development has positive cognitive and neural effects that last to adulthood. There is, therefore, a compelling need for studies designed to determine the extent to which plasticity driven by developmental exercise translates into enhanced brain health and function in adulthood and the underlying mechanisms. Such studies are particularly important given that modern Western society is increasingly characterized by sedentary behavior, and we know little about how this impacts the brain's developmental trajectory. This review synthesizes current literature and outlines significant knowledge gaps that must be filled in order to elucidate what exercise (or lack of exercise) during development contributes to the health and function of the adult brain.