The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review
A comprehensive review published via PMC dives into how a single bout of physical activity, called “acute exercise,” can influence brain health, even before long-term training begins.
Key Highlights:
Immediate mental boosts: One session of moderate aerobic or resistance exercise can lead to modest improvements in cognitive performance, especially in tasks involving attention, working memory, and executive function, which rely on the prefrontal cortex.
Mood and stress relief: Acute exercise consistently lowers negative mood, enhances positive emotions, and blunts the body’s physiological stress responses, effects that can last up to 24 hours after stopping.
Neurochemical and physiological shifts: Even a single session triggers changes in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), neurotransmitters, endogenous hormones, and signaling pathways linked to neuroplasticity, learning, and stress regulation.
Foundational building block: These acute effects lay the groundwork for long-term exercise adaptations, helping explain how regular physical activity enhances brain resilience over time
This review highlights that you don’t need weeks or months of training to benefit; just one bout of movement can uplift your mood and sharpen your mind, while activating key biological mechanisms that support lasting brain health.
Read the full article to explore the neuroscience behind acute exercise and its implications for brain wellness.
