Moving to Improve Mental Health - The Role of Exercise in Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

This review study investigates how exercise can enhance cognitive ability and mental wellness. Physical activity has been linked to a number of beneficial effects on cognitive function, including increased memory and executive function in adults, improved academic performance in children and adolescents, and potential advantages for people with cognitive impairments or neurodegenerative diseases. Increased cerebral blood flow, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, and a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation are the processes driving these effects. Studies have shown that exercise has mood-regulating benefits, with symptoms of anxiety and sadness lessening as a result. These mood-enhancing effects are a result of the endocannabinoid system being activated, endorphins being released, and changes in self-esteem and body image. Exercise therapies have also demonstrated the potential to encourage cognitive health as people age and lower the likelihood of cognitive decline. Exercise has been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for mental health illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, in addition to its preventive effects. Exercise can improve the effectiveness of treatment and general wellbeing when it is incorporated into comprehensive treatment strategies. To identify the ideal exercise parameters for certain outcomes and overcome barriers to exercise participation, more study is necessary. We can get closer to enhancing general wellbeing and quality of life by including exercise in measures for promoting mental health and cognitive health.

INTRODUCTION

Global public health issues include mental health issues and cognitive aging. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2030, mental health disorders will be the major cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 450 million people.[1] Dementia and cognitive impairment are also becoming more common, with over 50 million people worldwide affected by Alzheimer’s alone.[2] These illnesses not only have a severe effect on patients and their families, but they also place a heavy financial load on healthcare systems.

There is growing interest in non-pharmacological therapy that can supplement or even replace conventional techniques, even if pharmacological treatments are frequently employed to manage mental health issues and cognitive decline. Due to its ability to improve both mental and cognitive well-being, exercise has attracted a lot of interest in this respect. Numerous physiological processes, including neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity, have been demonstrated to be stimulated by physical activity and have the potential to improve cognitive performance.[3] Additionally, exercise has been shown to alter neurotransmitter levels, lower inflammation, and increase the production of neurotrophic factors, all of which improve mental health outcomes.[4]

The objective of this review is to conduct a thorough analysis of the scientific literature on the benefits of exercise for mental and cognitive health. We aim to get a thorough grasp of the possible advantages of exercise in boosting mental well-being and cognitive health by reviewing the available research. The creation of efficient interventions and strategies for the promotion of mental health and cognitive enhancement can be influenced by an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the exercise-cognition link.

Effects of exercise on cognitive function

Numerous research have looked into how exercise affects cognitive performance across the lifetime. Physical activity has been linked to improved academic achievement, attentiveness, and executive function in kids and teenagers.[5] Exercise has been proven to have beneficial impacts on mature adults’ memory, processing speed, and executive function.[6] Additionally, exercise therapies have shown promise for people with cognitive impairments or neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.[7]

The mechanisms behind the gains in cognitive function brought on by exercise are complex. Exercise has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow, which enhances oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain and supports the health and function of the neurons.[8] The production of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which are essential for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, is also increased by physical activity.[9] Exercise has also been demonstrated to lessen oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity, all of which have been linked to enhanced cognitive performance.[10]

Exercise and mood regulation

The benefits of exercise in maintaining mental health and regulating mood are well known. Both clinical and non-clinical populations have shown a reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms with regular physical activity.[11] Exercise programs, either alone or in conjunction with other therapy, have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of depression.[12] Exercise is thought to improve mood through a number of different processes.

The activation of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in controlling mood and stress responses, is one theory put forth.[13] Exercise has been demonstrated to raise endocannabinoid levels, which reduce stress and enhance mood. Endorphins, also referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which support sensations of euphoria and wellbeing, are released as a result of exercise.[14]

Additionally, physical activity can improve self-esteem and body image, both of which are crucial components of preserving good mental health.[15] Exercise that has a social component, like playing team sports or taking part in group activities, can also foster a sense of community and social support, which helps to maintain mental health.[16] These psychological and social impacts work together to make exercise generally beneficial for mood control and mental health.

Exercise and cognitive aging

To promote healthy cognitive aging and lower the risk of cognitive decline, there is an increasing focus as the world’s population ages. The development of neurodegenerative disorders and age-related cognitive decline are both potentially prevented by exercise. The incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia is inversely correlated with physical activity levels, according to epidemiological research.[17]

Improved cognitive function and a decreased risk of cognitive decline have been seen with exercise programs aimed at older persons. Particularly aerobic exercise has been linked to improved memory, increased hippocampus volume, and improved cognitive function in older persons.[18] Additionally, resistance training has been linked to gains in executive function and attention.[19]

Exercise affects cognitive aging through underlying mechanisms that are still being fully understood. To preserve cognitive function and counteract age-related cognitive decline, exercise increases neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.[20] Exercise also has anti-inflammatory effects and lowers oxidative stress, two factors that are linked to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders.[21] Exercise has the potential to be both a preventive and a therapeutic intervention for cognitive aging thanks to these complex pathways.

Exercise as an adjunctive treatment in mental health disorders

Exercise has been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for a number of mental health conditions in addition to its preventive benefits. Exercise has shown promise in promoting treatment outcomes and general wellbeing when paired with conventional therapy.

Exercise has been shown to lessen depressive symptoms and increase remission rates in people with major depressive disorder.[22] In vulnerable individuals, it can serve as a prophylactic intervention by lowering the likelihood of developing depression.[23] Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are important for mood regulation and that many antidepressant drugs target and exercise has been found to boost their availability.[24]

Exercise therapies have shown anxiolytic effects for anxiety disorders, lowering symptoms and enhancing general functioning.[25] Exercise causes physiological reactions including elevated heart rate and sympathetic nervous system activation that resemble the physical symptoms of anxiety, enabling people to feel more in control of their symptoms.[26] Exercise also encourages the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids, which have relaxing and mood-stabilizing properties.

Other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, can also benefit from the supplementary use of exercise. Even though the data is still developing, early results point to the possibility that exercise may reduce symptom severity and improve functional outcomes in these patients.[27,28,29] Exercise can be used in extensive treatment programs to provide a holistic approach to managing mental health. The findings of the studies are presented in Table 1.

Table 1.

Comparative studies

Study	Participants	Intervention	Findings
Voss et al. 2013	Adults	Aerobic exercise	Improved cognitive function and brain health
Mandolesi et al. 2018	Adults and older adults	Various types of exercise	Positive effects on cognitive functioning and wellbeing
Hillman et al. 2014	Children	Physical activity	Enhanced cognitive and brain health in children
Smith et al. 2010	Adults	Aerobic exercise	Improved neurocognitive performance
Groot et al. 2016	Patients with dementia	Exercise interventions	Positive effects on cognitive function in dementia
Raichlen et al. 2017	Sedentary older adults	Aerobic exercise	Changes in brain glucose metabolism
Erickson et al. 2015	Older adults	Aerobic exercise	Increased hippocampal size and improved memory
Schuch et al. 2018	Depressed individuals	Exercise interventions	Reduction of depressive symptoms and improvement in mood
Cooney et al. 2013	Depressed individuals	Exercise interventions	Significant reduction in depression symptoms
Fuss et al. 2015	Mice	Running exercise	Activation of cannabinoid receptors and runner’s high

Considerations and future directions

While there is strong evidence that exercise improves mental and cognitive health, there are a number of factors to take into account. First off, more research is needed to completely understand the best exercise style, intensity, and duration for achieving particular cognitive and mental health benefits. Future studies should investigate these variables to create individualized workout recommendations.

In addition, maintaining an exercise routine is essential for long-term advantages. Finding methods to encourage and maintain exercise involvement is crucial. Adherence can be improved by factors like social support, environmental considerations, and individually tailored goal-setting.[30]

It’s crucial to take into account any obstacles that can prevent you from exercising, such as physical limits, budgetary restrictions, or a lack of access to facilities. To ensure that exercise opportunities are inclusive and available to people from various backgrounds and communities, efforts should be undertaken.

As a non-pharmacological intervention, exercise has a lot of promise for enhancing mental and cognitive function. According to the research, exercise can improve mental function, control mood, and be used in conjunction with other treatments for mental health issues. To overcome barriers to exercise participation and to better understand the ideal exercise prescription parameters, more study is required. We can get closer to enhancing general wellbeing and quality of life by including exercise in measures for promoting mental health and cognitive health.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the research included in this review lends credence to the idea that exercise is essential for enhancing mental and cognitive health. Numerous studies have shown how exercising improves cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive abilities. Exercise has also been linked to a lower incidence of cognitive deterioration and neurodegenerative illnesses.

Exercise has also demonstrated promise in improving mental health and reducing the symptoms of a number of mental health conditions. It has been shown to lessen anxiety and depressive symptoms, lift one’s spirits, and act as a supportive therapy for these diseases. The endocannabinoid system is activated, neurotransmitters are released, and self-esteem and body image are improved as the mechanisms underpinning these effects.

Even while the study on physical activity and mental health is encouraging, there are still a number of questions that need to be answered. Future research should concentrate on determining the best exercise style, intensity, and duration for a variety of cognitive and mental health outcomes. In addition, initiatives should be taken to remove obstacles to exercise participation and encourage sustained commitment to exercise regimens.

Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals can harness the advantages of physical activity to enhance overall wellbeing and quality of life by incorporating exercise into mental health and cognitive health promotion efforts. A more integrated strategy for managing mental health and promoting cognitive health can be achieved by highlighting the value of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention.

In conclusion, exercise has the potential to be a highly effective technique for improving cognitive function, controlling mood, and promoting mental health. Regular physical activity may hold the secret to enhancing mental health and cognitive vigor over the course of a person’s lifetime.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.