The link between physical exercise and mental health has been widely documented. Exercise is known to promote wellbeing, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and enhance cognitive functioning and executive control.
It is unclear whether these effects depend on the type of exercise, frequency of training, and dosage of the workout. In addition, there is a lack of research exploring how sustained engagement in physical activity influences neurocognitive markers associated with stress regulation and emotional resilience. This study investigated how long-term participation in aerobic exercise affects brain areas involved in stress response and emotional processing.
Participants were 24 young adults (18-35 years old) who participated in an intervention program involving moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 6 weeks. The participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), which measures mood states; the Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ-20), which assesses perceived stress levels; and the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), which evaluates cognitive functioning.
Results showed that those who engaged in regular aerobic exercise reported higher positive affect and lower negative affect than controls. They also exhibited better executive control and cognitive flexibility.
The results indicated that regular aerobic exercise was associated with greater functional connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, which are critical regions involved in emotion regulation and stress responses.
This study provides evidence that sustained engagement in aerobic exercise can improve neurocognitive markers related to stress regulation and emotional resilience.
Further studies are needed to determine whether these effects depend on other factors such as frequency or intensity of training. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between exercise and mental health to inform exercise recommendations for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression symptoms.
How does sustained engagement in physical activity influence neurocognitive markers associated with stress regulation and emotional resilience?
Sustained engagement in physical activity has been linked with improved neurocognitive markers associated with stress regulation and emotional resilience. Physical activity can help individuals regulate their stress levels by increasing the release of endorphins that reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression.