Aerobic Exercise and its Effect on Cognition

Scientific Essay from the year 2009 in the subject Health - Sport - Kinematics and Training Theory, grade: 85.0, Kansas State University, course: Aerobic exercise and its effect on mental health, language: English, abstract: Aerobic exercise has always been known to be good for the body. It tones and strengthens muscles, increases the number of mitochondria in cells, and releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin into the bloodstream. Most individuals who partake in aerobic exercise consistently report improved mood and disposition, most likely due to the hormone release and improved self image (Steptoe & Cox 1988). What most people do not think of is what other effects aerobic exercise can have on the human body. The brain, formerly thought to never grow new cells or increase in size after adulthood has been found to not only grow in size in certain areas but also improve thinking power and reaction times after moderate aerobic exercise. This paper will explore the biology behind this phenomenon and some of the implications of this finding.