The effects of exercise on brain cortical function and its implication on mental health and mood

Abstract

In this chapter, we will review present theories connecting exercise-related changes to brain cortical activity and changes in mood. Current models in neuropsychology as the model of frontal asymmetry and the transient hypofrontality theory propose that mood improvements after acute exercise are dependent on deactivation patterns especially in (pre-)frontal cortex areas. Moreover, there is good evidence that improvements in mood, as well as accompanying neuropsychological changes, are linked to an individual dose-response relationship as well as individual exercise preferences, which connects well to the psychological model of –flow.—