Effect of gardening physical activity on neuroplasticity and cognitive function

Abstract

Background: The beneficial effects of gardening as a form of physical activity have garnered growing interest in recent years. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of gardening as a physical activity on promoting neuroplasticity and cognitive functioning in people. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on published articles between January 2010 to December 2022. The systematic search identified 3,470 records based on the PRISMA recommendations, 23 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Results: The study revealed the potential benefit of gardening physical activity on brain health. The evidence suggests that engaging in gardening physical activity not only boosts immunity and lowers inflammation but can also increase levels of growth neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which are essential for promoting neuroplasticity and improving cognitive function. These results should be interpreted cautiously given the small number of included studies and few randomized controlled trials. Discussion: The study results of gardening physical activity are promising. However, to adequately comprehend the underlying mechanism of the physical activity of gardening on brain health, more well-designed research is still necessary.