Physical Activity Across the Lifespan: Mechanisms, Interventions and Cognitive Function
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Behavioral Neuroscience".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 October 2026 | Viewed by 17
Special Issue Editors
Interests: ageing; physical activity; behaviour change; physical functioning; cognitive functioning; activity of daily living
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: physical activity; physical health; child growth; cognitive functioning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Physical activity is increasingly recognised as a potent modifiable lifestyle factor for brain health and cognitive function. This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions exploring how movement, exercise, and physical activity influence cognition and brain processes across the lifespan, in both healthy and clinical populations. We are interested in mechanistic studies (neuroplasticity, vascular adaptations, myokines/exerkines, inflammation), interventional research (acute bouts, long-term programmes, real-world movement), and translational work (implementation, dose/duration/type, moderators/mediators). Methodologically advanced designs, such as neuroimaging, wearables and ecological monitoring, and electrophysiology, and biomarker studies are particularly welcome. Lifespan perspectives from childhood/adolescence through mid-life to older adults and contexts including neurodegenerative risk, cognitive decline, and combined physical and cognitive training are encouraged. The goal is to synthesise emerging evidence, deepen mechanistic understanding, and identify pathways for applying physical activity to optimise cognitive health.
Dr. Daniele Magistro
Prof. Dr. Simon Cooper
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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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
- cognitive function
- brain health
- neuroplasticity
- lifespan
- intervention
- sedentary behaviour
- wearable monitoring
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