A study exploring the mechanisms behind why cognitive performance improves in response to exercise, has found that dopamine plays a key role.
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.
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.
- 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.