Optimizing exercise for brain health: cortical activation and connectivity across different exercise modalities.

Exercise is a cost-effective, low-risk strategy with significant health benefits, including improved brain function and cognitive abilities. The study aims to investigate the impact of different exercise modalities and performance on brain function, with the fNIRS method being used to assess cortical activation and connectivity in brain regions of healthy adults. We used fNIRS to measure the effects of six types of exercise—level walking, weighted walking, going up and down slopes (GSL), going up and down stairs (GST), running, and jumping jack—on brain regions related to motor and cognitive functions. Jumping jack and running were most effective in activating brain areas associated with motor and cognitive functions compared to other exercise types. Specifically, the activation level of the left primary somatosensory cortex during jumping jack was significantly higher than during GST (mean difference = 1.20 × 10− 6, 95% CI [3.82 × 10− 7, 2.02 × 10− 6], Cohen’s d = 0.74, pooled SD = 1.63 × 10− 6; PFDR = 0.02), and activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was also significantly higher than during GSL (mean difference = 8.80 × 10− 7, 95% CI [2.68 × 10− 7, 1.49 × 10− 6], Cohen’s d = 0.83, pooled SD = 1.06 × 10− 6; PFDR = 0.03). This study is the first to elucidate the effects of different exercise types on brain function, particularly the advantages of jumping jack and running in terms of brain activation. The findings provide valuable insights for developing exercise strategies that optimize brain health and enhance the overall benefits of these common activities.