The Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on the Primary Motor Cortex

Abstract

The effect of aerobic exercise on primary motor cortical excitability is a relevant area of interest for both motor learning and motor rehabilitation. Transient excitability changes that may follow an exercise session are a necessary precursor to more lasting neuroplastic changes. While the number of studies is limited, research suggests that a session of aerobic exercise can create an ideal environment for the early induction of plasticity. Potential mechanisms include the upregulation of neurotransmitter activity, altered cerebral metabolism and cortisol levels, and increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor. While there is considerable evidence that chronic physical activity positively impacts brain health and function, studies examining cortical excitability changes and motor performance after a single session of exercise are lacking. Further research is required to determine the clinical utility and feasibility of aerobic exercise.

Neurorehabilitation therapy in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: A 24‐week, rater‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial

“…31,32 Moreover, previous studies performed in human and animal models have demonstrated the role of physical exercises as a stimulating factor of neural plasticity by the increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, axonal regeneration, and the promotion of long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity in the motor cortex. [33][34][35][36] Also, physical exercise has been proven to provide beneficial effects in the cerebellar mitochondrial bioenergetics systems of rats, 37 and this could be used as a model for a therapeutic approach for SCA2 patients in which the bioenergetic deficits caused by the ataxin-2 mutation 38-40 could be alleviated.…”

Possible Link Between Medical Students' Motivation for Academic Work and Time Engaged in Physical Exercise

“…Studies have shown the benefits of physical exercise on academic achievement, mental health, and cognition, mostly in study populations of adolescents and young school children (Tomporowski et al, 2008). The impact of exercise has been shown to be beneficial in relation to several health outcomes (Knapen, Vancampfort, Moriën, & Marchal, 2015;Sanchis-Gomar et al, 2015;Singh & Staines, 2015). Recent research has reported that exercise can improve mental health, being recognized as a major stress reliever and a form of treating depression (Knapen et al, 2015).…”

A Short Bout of High-intensity Exercise Alters Ipsilesional Motor Cortical Excitability Post-stroke

“…This could explain why the high-intensity exercise used in our study may be effective in inducing motor cortical excitability changes. A neurochemical model has also been proposed to explain the effects of exercise on motor cortical excitability through modulation of arousal-related neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine 39 . Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is also a potential candidate for increasing motor cortical excitability after exercise.…”