A study exploring the mechanisms behind why cognitive performance improves in response to exercise, has found that dopamine plays a key role.
Source: University of Portsmouth
The neurotransmitter and hormone, Dopamine, — which is tied to pleasure, satisfaction and motivation — is known to increase when you work out. New findings suggest it is also linked to faster reaction time during exercise. The researchers behind the discovery say it could lead to a new therapeutic pathway for cognitive health, because of dopamine’s significant role in several conditions including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, addiction, and depression.
They measured the release of dopamine in the brain using a sophisticated scanning device, known as a positron emission tomography (PET). It tracks the metabolic and biochemical activity of the cells in the body.
The results revealed that when a participant cycled lying down in the machine, their brain increased the amount of dopamine release, and that this process was linked with improved reaction time.
