review · Frontiers in Neuroscience
Physical activity supports cognitive recovery and neuroplasticity in people with neurodegenerative disorders through several biological mechanisms. Exercise stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors, reduces oxidative stress, modulates neuroinflammation, and encourages neurogenesis alongside synaptic connectivity. Different exercise types yield distinct cognitive and structural brain improvements. Aerobic workouts increase hippocampal volume by one to two percent and boost executive function scores. Resistance training improves memory performance and cognitive control by twelve to eighteen percent, whilst mind-body practices such as yoga and tai-chi increase grey matter density in memory-associated regions and enhance emotional regulation. Combining movement with cognitive challenges through dual-task training improves attention and processing speed. Integrating artificial intelligence into these exercise and cognitive training regimens provides opportunities to personalise rehabilitation programmes. Implementing these varied movement strategies in clinical environments offers measurable therapeutic benefits for patients experiencing neurodegenerative conditions.
Neurodegenerative disorders present major challenges to independent living and cognitive health. Demonstrating that specific physical activities directly alter brain structure and improve cognitive metrics provides actionable, non-pharmacological therapeutic options. Understanding how distinct exercises influence memory, processing speed, and emotional control enables clinicians and carers to design targeted rehabilitation strategies that can measurably improve the daily quality of life for affected individuals.
The findings support the development of targeted cognitive rehabilitation programmes and digital health tools, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence to personalise exercise and cognitive training. Primary users include neurorehabilitation clinics, physical therapists, and health technology developers. Because the abstract reviews existing clinical literature and points to future implementation needs, technology applications such as artificial intelligence driven intervention platforms appear to be in early-stage to applied research and development rather than near-market readiness.
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This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which (i) physical activity (PA) enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders, and (ii) identify specific PA interventions for improving cognitive rehabilitation programs. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering publications from January 1990 to August 2024. The search strategy employed key terms related to neuroplasticity, physical exercise, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders, and personalized physical activity. Inclusion criteria included original research on the relationship between PA and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, while exclusion criteria eliminated studies focusing solely on pharmacological interventions. The review identified multiple pathways through which PA may enhance neuroplasticity, including releasing neurotrophic factors, modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis. Aerobic exercise was found to increase hippocampal volume by 1-2% and improve executive function scores by 5-10% in older adults. Resistance training enhanced cognitive control and memory performance by 12-18% in elderly individuals. Mind-body exercises, such as yoga and tai-chi, improved gray matter density in memory-related brain regions by 3-5% and enhanced emotional regulation scores by 15-20%. Dual-task training improved attention and processing speed by 8-14% in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss the potential role of AI-based exercise and AI cognitive training in preventing and rehabilitating neurodegenerative illnesses, highlighting innovative approaches to personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. PA significantly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders through various mechanisms. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, mind-body practices, and dual-task exercises each offer unique cognitive benefits. Implementing these activities in clinical settings can improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on creating personalized interventions tailored to specific conditions, incorporating personalized physical exercise programs to optimize cognitive rehabilitation.
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DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1502417
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