title: Neuromodulation of Aerobic Exercise-A Review.
abstract: Running, and aerobic exercise in general, is a physical activity that increasingly many people engage in but that also has become popular as a topic for scientific research. Here we review the available studies investigating whether and to which degree aerobic exercise modulates hormones, amino acids, and neurotransmitters levels. In general, it seems that factors such as genes, gender, training status, and hormonal status need to be taken into account to gain a better understanding of the neuromodular underpinnings of aerobic exercise. More research using longitudinal studies and considering individual differences is necessary to determine actual benefits. We suggest that, in order to succeed, aerobic exercise programs should include optimal periodization, prevent overtraining and be tailored to interindividual differences, including neuro-developmental and genetically-based factors.
authors.affiliation: Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Saskia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heijnen
authors.affiliation: Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hommel
authors.affiliation: Institute for Sports and Sport Science, University of Kassel Kassel, Germany.
authors.forename: Armin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kibele
authors.affiliation: Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lorenza S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Colzato
keywords: BDNF; HPA axis; aerobic exercise; dopamine; endocannabinoids; serotonin; stress