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the claim
Physical exercise stimulates the body to release proteins and chemicals that improve the structure and function of the brain.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
Recorded sources
9 sources for · 1 against
Is it true that physical exercise stimulates the body to release proteins and chemicals that improve the structure and function of the brain?
Yes. Substantial scientific literature indicates that physical exercise stimulates biological pathways, releasing neurotrophic factors and proteins that support neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and overall brain structure and function.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 9 sources for, 1 against · Last checked
The analysis
The retrieved papers overwhelmingly support the claim that physical exercise stimulates neurogenesis, releases neurotrophic factors (such as BDNF), and improves brain structure and function. Multiple reviews and experimental studies outline the molecular, epigenetic, and physiological pathways connecting exercise to enhanced neuroplasticity and cognitive health. While one study (paper 9) found no significant change in basal BDNF/IGF-1 markers despite cognitive improvements following strength training, and another noted variable acute biomarker responses (paper 11), the vast majority of preclinical and clinical evidence strongly supports the claim.
Evidence for · 9
Demonstrates that new hippocampal cells generated in adulthood, partly promoted by activity, participate in essential brain functions.
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Winocur, G., Wojtowicz, J. M., Sekeres, M., Snyder, J. S., & Wang, S. (2006). Inhibition of neurogenesis interferes with hippocampus‐dependent memory function. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20163
Evidence against · 1
Observed that a 12-week strength training program improved cognitive function but did not significantly alter basal serum concentrations of BDNF or IGF-1 in young female soccer players.
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M, B., H, Z., M, D., HM, K., A, B. H., I, Z., M, B. A., A, K., S, Z., I, L., AC, H., U, G., & A, B. M. Z. (2026). Effects of Strength Training on Cognitive Function, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Highly-Trained Young Female Soccer Players.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-026-01103-z
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More for · 8
Shows that voluntary exercise massively increases neurogenesis and cell proliferation in the adult hippocampus.
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Olson, A. K., Eadie, B. D., Ernst, C., & Christie, B. R. (2006). Environmental enrichment and voluntary exercise massively increase neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus via dissociable pathways. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20157
Establishes that intrinsic factors regulate exercise-induced neurogenesis in the adolescent hippocampus.
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Kozareva, D. A., O'Leary, O. F., Cryan, J. F., & Nolan, Y. M. (2017). Deletion of <scp>TLX</scp> and social isolation impairs exercise‐induced neurogenesis in the adolescent hippocampus. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.22805
Finds that endurance exercise upregulates signaling pathways and proteins associated with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the brain.
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Jang, Y. (2020). Endurance exercise-induced expression of autophagy-related protein coincides with anabolic expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of the mouse brain. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1097/wnr.0000000000001431
Reviews how physical exercise influences neurotrophic factors like BDNF and other molecular pathways to promote brain health and cognitive performance.
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The Interplay Between Physical Exercise, Nutritional Strategies, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Promoting Cognitive Performance. (2026). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.14336/ad.2025.1456
Synthesizes evidence that physical activity induces epigenetic and neurogenomic modifications supporting neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and brain structure.
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A, L. (2026). Epigenetic and Neurogenomic Mechanisms Linking Physical Activity to Brain Plasticity and Cognitive Function.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040474
Evaluates how exercise interacts with antioxidant mechanisms and neuroplasticity signaling pathways to protect against neurodegeneration.
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L, L. & Y, Z. (2026). Redox-exercise crosstalk in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanistic perspectives on antioxidant interactions with Nrf2-BDNF signaling, autophagy, and mitochondrial plasticity.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1850414
Examines how exercise enhances neuroplasticity by improving energy metabolism, neurotrophic signaling, and cerebrovascular function.
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S, Y., Q, L., M, W., & Y, Z. (2026). Music and Exercise in Concert: Uncovering Synergistic Mechanisms for Enhancing Brain Health and Cognitive Resilience-A Narrative Review.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.71735
Notes that regular exercise correlates with biological mechanisms including the upregulation of neurotrophic factors and improved cognitive function.
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TA, P. & V, M. (2026). Physical activity and exercise in dementia: clinical relevance and emerging insights.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/frdem.2026.1843904
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