Interrelationships between exercise, functional connectivity, and cognition among healthy adults: A systematic review

Abstract

The main purpose of this systematic review was to examine past literature focusing on the potential relationship between exercise (or physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF]) and functional brain connectivity in healthy adults. Among the studies meeting this purpose, we also evaluated studies investigating whether, and how, functional connectivity may influence the exercise–cognition relationship. A systematic review was employed through several electronic databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, and Google Scholar) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The literature search identified 656 records, and a total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these 12 studies, there were 4, 7, and 1 study, respectively, examining the relationship between exercise and frontal lobe connectivity, temporal lobe connectivity, and whole‐brain connectivity. Also, 7 studies examined the relationship between functional connectivity and cognitive performance across multiple brain regions as a function of exercise. Existing literature suggests that CRF, habitual physical activity, and varying intensities of acute exercise can strengthen functional connections among a wide variety of regions and subcortical structures of the human brain. These exercise‐induced functional connectivity changes within and between specific brain structures/networks supporting cognitive processing may improve various domains of cognitive function. Given these complex associations, a thorough understanding of how functional connectivity plays a mediating role in the exercise–cognition interaction is needed in future studies.

Effects of a games-based physical education lesson on cognitive function in adolescents

“…The absence of collinearity between fitness and MVPA amongst participants in the present study, when combined with the positive effect of MVPA on working memory, suggests MVPA enhances acute cognitive function, independent of fitness. An explanation for these findings could be the potential influence of physical activity intensity on functional connectivity across brain regions, primarily those involved in memory and executive function ( Moore et al, 2021 ); resultantly, the efficiency of evaluating the stimulus is increased ( Chang et al, 2013 ). The findings from previous studies investigating the role of physical activity intensity on cognitive function are equivocal, with positive ( Syväoja et al, 2013 ; Lee et al, 2014 ), inconsistent ( Aadland et al, 2017 ), and negative ( Cadenas-Sanchez et al, 2020 ; Ludyga et al, 2020 ; Williams et al, 2022 ) results.…”

Application of Attention Focus in Rehabilitation to Promote Motor Performance and Motor Learning

“…Several studies have reported that brain function is related to performance [31][32][33] and motor learning [33][34][35]. Similarly, attention focus, which influences performance and motor learning, is expected to be related to brain function.…”

The burden of mild cognitive impairment attributable to physical inactivity in Colombia

“…Experimental evidence suggests that physical exercise improves cognitive function in healthy adults of all ages [29] and in people with brain disorders [30]. Indeed, it is plausible that exercise improves brain health and several potential mechanisms have been identified, including mechanisms related to improvements in brain metabolism [6], brain structure [7], brain connectivity [8], brain vascular function [9], and brain plasticity [10]. The gut microbiome has a profound influence on cognitive function and there is also evidence of a combined effect of diet and exercise on the gut microbiome [11].…”

“…For example, it has been estimated that approximately 8% of cases of dementia would be eliminated if all adults were physically active [5]. It is plausible that physical activity improves brain health and several potential mechanisms have been identified [6][7][8][9][10][11]. For example, exercise may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and brain plasticity [6].…”