This research comes from the University of Arizona and the focus has not been with the physical benefits of exercise but with neuron connections within the brain. The issue suggests that connectivity in the brain is about how the regions of the brain communicate with other regions, and how this affects the process of relaying messages around the brain.
The research was based on magnetic resonance image scans, where two groups of subjects were compared. One group was made up of regular long-distance and cross-country runners; the second group was made up of more sedentary people, perhaps more reflective of the general population. Each of the subjects was aged between 18 and 25 years old.
The scan revealed the electrical connectivity of the brain and pinpointed where the connections were and where neural networks were forming. The most significant difference related to the frontal cortex of the runners, which was more active. This region of the brain is involved with planning, choosing actions, reactions and tasks selection.
The scans also traced the networks involved with the brain processing information. The runners were found to possess more connections. It is reasoned by some scientists that increased connectivity is associated with greater intelligence, although this remains speculative.
In a research note, the lead scientist Professor Raichlen explains: “One of the things that drove this collaboration was that there has been a recent proliferation of studies, over the last 15 years, that have shown that physical activity and exercise can have a beneficial impact on the brain, but most of that work has been in older adults. This question of what’s occurring in the brain at younger ages hasn’t really been explored in much depth, and it’s important.”
He adds further: “Not only are we interested in what’s going on in the brains of young adults, but we know that there are things that you do across your lifespan that can impact what happens as you age, so it’s important to understand what’s happening in the brain at these younger ages.”
This could be of wider importance given that functional connectivity appears to be altered in aging adults, and particularly in those with Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases.
The research has been published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, with the paper called “Differences in Resting State Functional Connectivity between Young Adult Endurance Athletes and Healthy Controls.”
