Table 3.

Summary of Pathways by which Aerobic Exercise Impacts Executive Function

Pathway	Exercise types	Effects on cognition and the brain
Cognitive demands inherent in engaging games	Group games	Contextual interference has robust effect on retention and transfer of skills Strategic play recruits similar cognitive processes as EF tasks Adaptive video game training enhances non-trained EF skills
Cognitive demands inherent in coordination of complex motor tasks	Group games Complex motor tasks (e.g., bimanual coordination tasks, motor skill learning)	Contextual interference leads to greater motor skill learning Activation of PFC during complex motor execution Physiological changes in hippocampus and cerebellum
Physiological changes resulting from aerobic exercise	Group games Repetitive aerobic exercise (e.g., running)	Neurogenesis in the hippocampus Angiogenesis and increased cerebral blood volume Upregulation of growth factors and neurotrophins (e.g., BDNF) Immediate increase in neurochemicals (e.g., NE, DA) Enhanced learning and memory

Note. BDNF = brain-derived neurotrophic factor. DA = dopamine. EF = executive function. NE = norepinephrine. PFC = prefrontal cortex