Gating of Neuroplasticity: Effects and Mechanisms of Acute Aerobic Exercise as a Brain Stimulation for the Sensorimotor Cortex.

Abstract

Aerobic exercise works as a "brain stimulation" or "medicine" to improve executive function, memory, and mental health. In addition to this evidence, recent studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise positively affects neuroplasticity in the sensorimotor cortex, which is essential for motor skill learning, or rehabilitation in patients with central nervous system disorders. A shift in the excitatory/inhibitory balance within the sensorimotor cortex through the modulation of intracortical excitability elicited by aerobic exercise has been postulated as the underlying mechanism. In this chapter, we focus on acute aerobic exercise and summarize the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity in the sensorimotor cortex. Additionally, we describe the effects of acute aerobic exercise on changes in intracortical excitability and shifts in excitatory/inhibitory balance, which are considered mechanisms of enhanced neuroplasticity, with a brief explanation of the methods used to evaluate them. We provide important insights into the potential benefits of exercise beyond cognition and memory, thus expanding the role of aerobic exercise as a "brain stimulation" and "medicine."