A research team from Princeton University (USA) has discovered that physical activity reorganizes the brain, lowering stress responses and reducing the impact of anxiety on normal brain functions.
The effect of physical activity on the anterior part of the hippocampus—a region in the brain involved in the stress response—has not been thoroughly studied until now. Led by Elizabeth Gould, Professor of Psychology at Princeton, the team examined specific brain cells with the aim of better understanding how the brain responds to stress and anxiety.
Running was found to significantly increase cell nuclei in the hippocampus. Active runners demonstrated much more controlled responses to stress triggers compared to inactive individuals. For the experiment, one group of mice was given free access to a running wheel, while another group had no wheel available. After six weeks, both groups were briefly exposed to cold water, a major stress trigger for mice.
The differences in response were immediately noticeable. Without delving too deeply into the technical details, it was evident that the active mice exhibited significant inhibition and control over the stress response. Moreover, stress hormones were released at much lower levels in the active mice.
Physical activity has long been known to enhance mental well-being, but these findings highlight the neurological basis for how exercise helps reduce stress. Regular activity doesn’t merely have a positive impact on muscles and cardiovascular health but also directly influences how the brain perceives and reacts to stressors. The hippocampus, a key area involved in memory formation and emotional regulation, becomes better equipped to handle stress when strengthened through exercise. This leads to a reduced release of stress hormones like cortisol and enables the brain to maintain calm during stressful situations.
The study suggests that running and other forms of aerobic exercise help build resilience against stress. When the hippocampus is strengthened through physical activity, it can act as a buffer, reducing stress signals to other brain areas that govern emotion. In essence, exercise reprograms the brain to respond more calmly to potential stress triggers, enhancing an individual’s capacity to manage anxiety and emotional reactions.
Physiotherapists are experts in movement and understand the science behind how physical activity impacts mental health. They can guide you toward exercise routines tailored to your fitness level and goals, helping to harness the stress-reducing benefits of physical activity.
