The Influence of Exercise on Brain Structure and Function in Athletes comprehensive review

Abstract

Background and goal:

The brain plays a crucial role in athleticism, as it is responsible for coordinating movement, reaction time, decision making, and overall performance. The structure of the brain in athletes is not significantly different from that of non-athletes, but research has shown that certain areas of the brain may be more developed or specialized in athletes due to the demands of their sport. Therefore, the aim of the current research was the effect of exercise on the structure and function of the brain in athletes

Method:

To search for articles, English-language articles from 2018 to 2024 were collected by searching databases including Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, WOS, and Science Direct Keywords such as Brain structure, Brain function, Athletes, and exercise were used to extract.

Findings:

Different types of physical exercise can affect the brain in unique ways, leading to neurological differences between athletes. Athletes also show differences in pain processing and brain structure compared to non-athletes. Overall, physical activity and exercise can have a positive impact on brain function, mental health, and cognitive abilities.

Conclusion:

Exercise has a significant impact on the structure and function of the brain in athletes, demonstrating the connection between physical activity and brain health. This highlights the importance of regular exercise for maintaining cognitive function and overall brain health.