Effects of physical activity on brain function: Mechanisms, adaptations and clinical implications

Authors

  • Dariusz Fabian Specialist Provincial Hospital in Ciechanów, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 2, 06-400 Ciechanów https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7241-7245
  • Klaudia Maria Kufel Student Scientific Society of Physiology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, 45040 Opole, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9873-6582
  • Mateusz Teofilak Międzyleski Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3902-2484
  • Natalia Maria Smyl John Paul II Western Hospital in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Daleka 11, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9571-3432
  • Olga Śpiołek LUX MED Sp. z o.o., Szturmowa 2, 02-678 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6271-1242
  • Jan Siwiec Międzyleski Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7193-7074
  • Aleksandra Słowikowska National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137, 02- 507 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3705-822X
  • Julia Szatkowska Hospital of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Wołomin, Gdyńska 1/3, 05-200 Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5084-9378
  • Marcelina Paula Sztyler-Krąkowska Dr Anna Gostynska Wolski Hospital, Independent Public Health Care Institution, Marcina Kasprzaka 17, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4817-9537
  • Agnieszka Alicja Wąsowicz National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137, 02- 507 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3256-793X
  • Franciszek Kędziora Medical University of Białystok, Jana Kilińskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7833-1985

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.37.57569

Keywords

brain, physical activity, brain plasticity, neuroplasticity, BDNF, VEGF

Abstract

The effects of physical activity on brain function, the mechanisms involved, adaptations, and clinical implications are topics of great importance given the increasingly common sedentary lifestyle. This paper explores these relationships, starting with the evolutionary aspects of brain development in the context of physical activity. It discusses a variety of forms of exercise, from intense exercise to daily NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis). A key issue is neuroplasticity, which plays an important role in adaptation to external stimuli. The article identifies key neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which are regulated by physical activity and contribute to improved cognitive function and mental health. The paper demonstrates the multifaceted effects of physical activity on neuroplasticity and brain health.

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Published

2025-01-22

How to Cite

1.
FABIAN, Dariusz, KUFEL, Klaudia Maria, TEOFILAK, Mateusz, SMYL, Natalia Maria, ŚPIOŁEK, Olga, SIWIEC, Jan, SŁOWIKOWSKA, Aleksandra, SZATKOWSKA, Julia, SZTYLER-KRĄKOWSKA, Marcelina Paula, WĄSOWICZ, Agnieszka Alicja and KĘDZIORA, Franciszek. Effects of physical activity on brain function: Mechanisms, adaptations and clinical implications. Quality in Sport. Online. 22 January 2025. Vol. 37, p. 57569. [Accessed 3 March 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.37.57569.

Issue

Vol. 37 (2025)

Section

Health Sciences

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dariusz Fabian, Klaudia Maria Kufel, Mateusz Teofilak, Natalia Maria Smyl, Olga Śpiołek, Jan Siwiec, Aleksandra Słowikowska, Julia Szatkowska, Marcelina Paula Sztyler-Krąkowska, Agnieszka Alicja Wąsowicz, Franciszek Kędziora

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