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Brain Sciences
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Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and...
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Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and Mental Health

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2026 | Viewed by 2243

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fiorenzo Moscatelli

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Guest Editor
Department of Education and Sport Sciences, Pegaso Telematic University, 80143 Naples, Italy
Interests: sport; physical exercise; sport physiology; cortical excitability; transcranial magnetic stimulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nicola Mancini

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Education and Sport Sciences, Pegaso Telematic University, 80143 Naples, Italy
Interests: neuroscience; sport; innovative technologies; biomechanics
Dr. Pompilio Cusano

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Education and Sport Sciences, Pegaso Telematic University, 80143 Naples, Italy
Interests: nutrition; diet; physiology; sport nutrition; brain stimulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue titled "Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and Mental Health", explores the multifaceted relationship between physical activity and brain health across the lifespan. We trace the historical evolution of this research area, highlighting seminal studies that established the link between physical activity and improved cognitive function and mental wellbeing. The issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research illuminating the intricate mechanisms underlying these effects, from the molecular and cellular levels to the impact on higher-order cognitive processes and mental health outcomes. We solicit original research articles, reviews, and meta-analyses employing diverse methodologies (e.g., neuroimaging, behavioral studies, interventional trials) that investigate the impact of physical activity on various aspects of brain structure and function, cognitive performance (including attention, memory, executive function), and mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline). Priority will be given to studies that advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, identify optimal types, intensities, and durations of physical activity, and translate this knowledge into effective interventions to promote brain health and wellbeing.

Prof. Dr. Fiorenzo Moscatelli
Guest Editor

Dr. Nicola Mancini
Dr. Pompilio Cusano
Guest Editor Assistants

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • brain health
  • cognition
  • mental health
  • neurogenesis
  • neuroplasticity
  • cognitive function
  • exercise
  • depression
  • anxiety

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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18 pages, 4617 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Depression in College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Xiaorui Huang, Zhuying Chen, Ze Xu, Xiaojie Liu, Yuanyuan Lv and Laikang Yu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080875 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Objectives: Depression is a significant and growing global concern with substantial societal impact. College students, being particularly vulnerable to depression, necessitate exploration of physical activity (PA) as a potential mitigating factor. This study aims to examine the relationship between PA and depression [...] Read more.
Objectives: Depression is a significant and growing global concern with substantial societal impact. College students, being particularly vulnerable to depression, necessitate exploration of physical activity (PA) as a potential mitigating factor. This study aims to examine the relationship between PA and depression in college students. Methods: Studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to assess the PA–depression relationship. Heterogeneity was evaluated, and subgroup analyses were performed. Sensitivity analysis via the leave-one-out method was conducted. Quality assessment was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute literature quality assessment approach, resulting in the inclusion of 38 high-quality, low-risk studies. Results: A significant negative correlation between PA and depression was found (r = −0.238; 95% CI, −0.307 to −0.173; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed notable PA–depression correlations post-COVID-19 (r = −0.324; 95% CI, −0.493 to −0.132; p < 0.001), in developing countries (r = −0.202; 95% CI, −0.213 to −0.191; p < 0.001), and in physical education majors (r = −0.390; 95% CI, −0.589 to −0.147; p < 0.001). Moderate PA levels were associated with reduced depression (r = −0.428; 95% CI, −0.708 to −0.031; p = 0.035). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that PA is significantly and negatively associated with depression and plays a crucial role in alleviating depression in college students. Various influences, including the pandemic, national development level, student major, and PA intensity, moderate this relationship. Post-pandemic, developing countries, physical education majors, and moderate PA intensity emerged as optimal factors for enhancing the depression-alleviating effects of PA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and Mental Health)
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18 pages, 3049 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Depressive Symptoms in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Hao Ren, Yilun Zhou, Yuanyuan Lv, Xiaojie Liu, Lingxiao He and Laikang Yu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080792 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms and to determine the optimal exercise prescription for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, [...] Read more.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms and to determine the optimal exercise prescription for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Aerobic exercise significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in PD patients (SMD, −0.68, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses revealed that moderate intensity aerobic exercise (SMD, −0.72, p = 0.0006), interventions conducted for ≥12 weeks (SMD, −0.85, p = 0.04), ≥3 times per week (SMD, −0.68, p = 0.002), ≥60 min per session (SMD, −0.57, p < 0.0001), and ≥180 min per week (SMD, −0.87, p = 0.0002) were more effective in improving depressive symptoms in PD patients, especially in PD patients with a disease duration of ≤6 years (SMD, −1.00, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Integrating the available data, it is clear that aerobic exercise is a proven method for alleviating depressive symptoms in PD patients. This meta-analysis provides empirical support for clinicians to recommend that PD patients engage in aerobic exercise regimens of no less than 12 weeks’ duration, performed at a minimum frequency of three sessions per week, with each session lasting in excess of 60 min and a cumulative weekly duration of at least 180 min, to effectively attenuate depressive symptomatology. Earlier implementation of aerobic exercise interventions is recommended, as PD patients in the early stages of the disease (up to 6 years post-diagnosis) may derive the greatest benefit in terms of depression symptom improvement from such programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and Mental Health)
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21 pages, 584 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Physical Activity on Executive Functions in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Carmela Matrisciano, Roberta Minino, Anna Maria Mariani and Cristiana D’Anna
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070703 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 989
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the scientific, educational, and health sectors in investigating aspects upon which to design physical-activity interventions to prevent cognitive decline, a phenomenon that affects levels of autonomy and quality of life in older [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the scientific, educational, and health sectors in investigating aspects upon which to design physical-activity interventions to prevent cognitive decline, a phenomenon that affects levels of autonomy and quality of life in older adulthood. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be an effective strategy that can be used to preserve executive functions (EFs) by improving brain flexibility and efficiency. This systematic review aims to identify the most effective strategies used to maintain EF, prevent decline, and promote independence in the elderly. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted in the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science; the search used keywords such as “cognitive decline”; “cognitive flexibility”; “elderly”; “executive functions”; “inhibition”; “physical activity”; and “working memory”. Experimental studies published between 2019 and 2025 examining the effects of PA on EFs in adults over 60 were selected. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to high according to the PEDro scale. Results: The analyzed studies show that short-term interventions positively affect one or two components of EFs, while medium- and long-term interventions produce benefits for all components (working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility). Interventions combined with cognitive stimulation show a greater impact than PA alone. Conclusions: PA is an effective strategy for preserving EFs in the elderly, but the lack of standardized protocols makes it difficult to identify optimal interventions. Further research is needed to more precisely define the most effective intervention approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unraveling the Role of Physical Activity in Brain, Cognition, and Mental Health)
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