About this Research Topic
In an increasingly sedentary world, the relationship between physical activity and brain function, as well as structure, has become a focal point of research. Research highlights the potential impact of regular exercise and physical fitness on cognitive performance and mental health. Conversely, sedentary behavior has been linked to adverse outcomes in brain function and structure. Understanding the intricate relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and cognitive processes is crucial, as it holds implications for academic performance and overall mental health and well-being at early ages.
Research in this field has revealed that exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also holds the potential to boost cognitive function across various age groups and individuals with specific conditions. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms have been partially investigated, including neurobiological, psychosocial, and behavioral hypotheses. However, the precise mechanisms remain far from being fully understood, and further research is needed in this regard.
This Research Topic aims to explore the intricate connections between physical activity, physical fitness, brain function, and structural outcomes, shedding light on the potential benefits of exercise and fitness. We invite researchers to contribute their insights into how physical activity influences brain health, mental well-being, cognitive performance, academic achievement, and other related brain outcomes. By delving into these aspects, we strive to deepen our understanding of the profound impact of physical activity on the brain.
The overarching goal of this Research Topic is to assemble a collection of cutting-edge research that not only elucidates the relationship between physical activity and the brain but also uncovers mechanisms underlying this connection. By addressing gaps in knowledge and exploring potential avenues for application, we aim to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in enhancing brain outcomes through physical activity interventions. Through this collaborative effort, we envision advancing strategies that promote cognitive health across diverse populations and settings.
We encourage contributions that investigate various facets of the link between physical activity and physical fitness with cognition, including neurobiological mechanisms, psychosocial and behavioral factors, intervention effectiveness, and real-world implications. Manuscripts may encompass original research, narrative and systematic reviews (with and without meta-analyses), clinical trials, and study protocols, among others (see article types here). By welcoming interdisciplinary approaches, we seek to foster a holistic understanding of how physical activity can positively shape cognitive function and mental well-being.
In the context of this Research Topic, physical activity is understood as any form of human movement, ranging from sport to daily physical activity, especially physical exercise, and its outcomes (physical fitness). On the other hand, brain function and structure is widely understood, including mental health, cognitive function, cognitive performance, academic achievement, and others. In terms of population, studies involving human participants are welcome, including children and adolescents with or without special conditions or medical issues.
Research in this field has revealed that exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also holds the potential to boost cognitive function across various age groups and individuals with specific conditions. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms have been partially investigated, including neurobiological, psychosocial, and behavioral hypotheses. However, the precise mechanisms remain far from being fully understood, and further research is needed in this regard.
This Research Topic aims to explore the intricate connections between physical activity, physical fitness, brain function, and structural outcomes, shedding light on the potential benefits of exercise and fitness. We invite researchers to contribute their insights into how physical activity influences brain health, mental well-being, cognitive performance, academic achievement, and other related brain outcomes. By delving into these aspects, we strive to deepen our understanding of the profound impact of physical activity on the brain.
The overarching goal of this Research Topic is to assemble a collection of cutting-edge research that not only elucidates the relationship between physical activity and the brain but also uncovers mechanisms underlying this connection. By addressing gaps in knowledge and exploring potential avenues for application, we aim to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in enhancing brain outcomes through physical activity interventions. Through this collaborative effort, we envision advancing strategies that promote cognitive health across diverse populations and settings.
We encourage contributions that investigate various facets of the link between physical activity and physical fitness with cognition, including neurobiological mechanisms, psychosocial and behavioral factors, intervention effectiveness, and real-world implications. Manuscripts may encompass original research, narrative and systematic reviews (with and without meta-analyses), clinical trials, and study protocols, among others (see article types here). By welcoming interdisciplinary approaches, we seek to foster a holistic understanding of how physical activity can positively shape cognitive function and mental well-being.
In the context of this Research Topic, physical activity is understood as any form of human movement, ranging from sport to daily physical activity, especially physical exercise, and its outcomes (physical fitness). On the other hand, brain function and structure is widely understood, including mental health, cognitive function, cognitive performance, academic achievement, and others. In terms of population, studies involving human participants are welcome, including children and adolescents with or without special conditions or medical issues.
Keywords: Physical activity, cognition, exercise, physical fitness, sedentary behaviour, brain, neurodevelopment, mental health, cognitive performance, academic performance
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
