exercise

Introduction

Exercise, a subcategory of physical activity, is planned, structured, repetitive, and aimed at improving or maintaining physical fitness. It has been extensively studied for its benefits on physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. This synthesis explores the various impacts of exercise as reported in recent research papers.

Key Insights

Definition and Distinction:
- Exercise is distinct from general physical activity; it is specifically planned and structured to improve physical fitness.
General Health Benefits:
- Regular exercise, including cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor training, is essential for maintaining overall physical fitness and health in adults.
Cognitive Function in Older Adults:
- Physical exercise improves cognitive function in adults over 50, with aerobic and resistance training showing significant benefits .
Dementia and Cognitive Decline:
- Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, with evidence showing improved cognitive scores and larger hippocampal volumes in seniors .
Liver Health:
- Exercise reduces liver fat in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), even without significant weight loss.
Multiple Sclerosis:
- Exercise helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis, although more research is needed to optimize exercise recommendations for this group.
Brain Health and Plasticity:
- Exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other growth factors, promoting neurogenesis and brain plasticity .
Skill Acquisition and Cognitive Benefits:
- The cognitive benefits of exercise may be linked to the process of skill acquisition, which enhances mental processing and decision-making.

Conclusion

Exercise offers a multitude of benefits, from improving physical fitness and cognitive function to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like dementia and NAFLD. It is particularly beneficial for older adults and those with specific health conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The cognitive and brain health benefits of exercise are supported by increased neuroplasticity and the role of skill acquisition. Overall, incorporating regular exercise into daily routines is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health.

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

How is exercise different from physical activity? A concept analysis

Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity focused on improving physical fitness, while physical activity is any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure.

American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.

Regular exercise programs, including cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor training, are essential for maintaining physical fitness and health in adults.

Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Physical exercise, including aerobic and resistance training, improves cognitive function in adults over 50, regardless of their cognitive status.

Physical exercise as a preventive or disease-modifying treatment of dementia and brain aging.

Aerobic exercise in midlife can significantly reduce dementia risk and improve cognitive scores in healthy adults, with potential benefits for brain health and neuroprotection.

Exercise and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exercise therapy shows a clear benefit on liver fat, but not ALT levels, even with minimal or no weight loss and exercise levels below current obesity management recommendations.

Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity

Exercise can enhance brain health and promote brain plasticity by increasing BDNF levels, stimulating neurogenesis, and improving learning and mental performance.

Exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis

Exercise can improve quality of life and participation in daily activities for people with multiple sclerosis, but current limitations in evidence and understanding need to be addressed for effective promotion and implementation.

Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition via a common process.

Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition through a common process of skill acquisition, with mental resources allocation being essential for enduring cognitive benefits.

Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition

Aerobic physical activity positively impacts cognition and brain function, potentially leading to increased physical and mental health throughout life.

Exercise, brain, and cognition across the life span.

Both aerobic and resistance training are important for maintaining cognitive and brain health throughout the life span, with potential neurobiological mechanisms derived from non-human animal models.

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