Perspective Chapter: “Move-to-the-Beat, Take the Lead” – The Impact of Active Lifestyle on Neurocognitive Functions

Recall that dance that made you feel so energetic despite utilizing your glucose reserves! Did you wonder why you were not tired instead? Exercise has this “not-so-spurious” effect on our brain function and can be beneficial in reducing the rising burden of mental disorders. This chapter aims to highlight the cellular and neurocognitive influences of exercise. Moderate- to-high-intensity exercise increases BDNF and NGF levels, which redirects the brain metabolism to favor the production of excitatory molecules like glutamate and reduced norepinephrine in the fear center, ultimately activating the circuitry involved in the higher cognitive functions. Glutamate and dopamine levels in the cognitive circuitry can increase brain function including learning and memory, thereby reducing risk of neurodegeneration. Contrary to moderate-intensity exercises, high-intensity short-term exercises instead lead to exhaustion and offer lesser benefits. Moderate-intensity training also improves cognitive outcomes by activating language centers, improving word recall and alleviating symptoms in dyslexia and social anxiety while enhancing emotional intelligence scores. Exercise influences interoception by modulating heart rate variability and heart beat evoked potentials (HEPs) in the brain. HEPs reflect a state of interoceptive and emotional processing, necessary to navigate through decision-making. A demonstrated role of exercise also exists in the prevention of cognitive decline in aging. Exercise uncovers the mystery behind the concept of “body-mind” in biopsychosocial model, hence establishing the importance of exercise in improving cognitive outcomes. Moderate-intensity exercises thus hold potential as a therapeutic modality in the rehabilitative treatment of various neurocognitive disorders.