Neuroscience of Exercise: Neuroplasticity and Its Behavioral Consequences

The human brain adapts to changing demands by altering itsfunctional and structural properties (neuroplasticity) whichresults in learning and acquiring skills. Convergent evidencefrom both human and animal studies suggests that enhancedphysical exercise facilitates neuroplasticity of certain brainstructures and as a result cognitive functions [1] as well asaffective [2] and behavioral responses [3].This special issue isbeing proposed at a very challenging time. There is evidencelinking increased physical exercise with an enhancement ofneurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and the releaseof neurotrophins as well as neuroendocrinological changes,which are associated with benefits in cognitive and affectiveas well as behavioral functioning (such as fine motor functioning)