Abstract

An emerging body of multidisciplinary literature has documented the beneficial influence of physical activity engendered through aerobic exercise on selective aspects of brain function. Human and non-human animal studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve a number of aspects of cognition and performance. Lack of physical activity, particularly among children in the developed world, is one of the major causes of obesity. Exercise might not only help to improve their physical health, but might also improve their academic performance. This article examines the positive effects of aerobic physical activity on cognition and brain function, at the molecular, cellular, systems and behavioural levels. A growing number of studies support the idea that physical exercise is a lifestyle factor that might lead to increased physical and mental health throughout life.

Author affiliations

1. Charles H. Hillman is at the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, 213 Louise Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
2. Kirk I. Erickson and Arthur F. Kramer are at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, 405 North Mathews Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.

Correspondence to: Charles H. Hillman¹ Email: chhillma@uiuc.edu

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