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 August 2025 | Viewed by 705

Special Issue Editors


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

E-Mail Website
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

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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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 346
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
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