title: Physical exercise, neuroplasticity, spatial learning and memory.
abstract: There has long been discussion regarding the positive effects of physical exercise on brain activity. However, physical exercise has only recently begun to receive the attention of the scientific community, with major interest in its effects on the cognitive functions, spatial learning and memory, as a non-drug method of maintaining brain health and treating neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric conditions. In humans, several studies have shown the beneficial effects of aerobic and resistance exercises in adult and geriatric populations. More recently, studies employing animal models have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity related to physical exercise-induced spatial learning and memory improvement, even under neurodegenerative conditions. In an attempt to clarify these issues, the present review aims to discuss the role of physical exercise in the improvement of spatial learning and memory and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuroplasticity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, MG, Brazil. ricardo.cassilhas@ufvjm.gov.br.|Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. ricardo.cassilhas@ufvjm.gov.br.
authors.forename: Ricardo C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Cassilhas
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tufik
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (EEFFTO), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. tmello@demello.net.br.
authors.forename: Marco Túlio
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: de Mello
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D055070:Resistance Training; D065853:Spatial Learning
keywords: Aerobic exercise; Brain; Cognition; Memory; Neuroplasticity; Resistance exercise