Neurophysiological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in young people: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v77.118422Keywords:
Physical activity, biomarkers, cognitive performance, youth, neurophysiologyAbstract
Introduction: While recent scientific evidence has established a robust link between physical activity and cognitive indicators in children, the specific neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain a "black box."
Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of recent evidence regarding the neurophysiological and structural mechanisms mediating the relationship between physical activity practice and cognitive indicators in youths aged 6 to 18.
Method: A systematic search of articles published between 2017, and March 2025 was conducted in Scopus, WOS, PubMed, and ERIC databases. Following PRISMA guidelines, and after a blinded peer screening process managed via Rayyan, 26 studies of high methodological quality were included.
Results: Findings are categorized into three interconnected pathways: 1) Molecular: Peripheral BDNF exhibits heterogeneous responses, appearing to be dependent on specific exercise intensities and genetic profiles. 2) Functional: Vigorous and coordinative PA enhances prefrontal oxygenation and neural signal efficiency (P300), thereby facilitating inhibitory control. 3) Structural: A restorative effect is notably observed in children with overweight/obesity, where exercise promotes the remodeling of white matter integrity previously compromised by adiposity-related inflammation.
Conclusions: The enhancement of cognitive indicators is not driven by a single mechanism, but by a synergistic interplay of neurophysiological adaptations, network efficiency, and morphological changes. These findings suggest a change in thinking towards personalized PA prescription, where cognitive demand and individual variability are key determinants of neurophysiological responses.
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