Physical activity, fitness, and gray matter volume
Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition · University of Pittsburgh
Abstract
In this review, we explore the association among physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and exercise on gray matter volume in older adults. We conclude that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels are routinely associated with greater gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and less consistently in other regions. We also conclude that physical activity is associated with greater gray matter volume in the same regions that are associated with cardiorespiratory fitness including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Some heterogeneity in the literature may be explained by effect moderation by age, stress, or other factors. Finally, we report promising results from randomized exercise…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 30.21
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 66
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Cardiorespiratory fitness
- Moderation
- Prefrontal cortex
- Grey matter
- Physical fitness
- Psychology
- Hippocampus
- Physical activity