Studies over the last decade have shown that early childhood exercise promotes cognitive development.Recently, it has been suggested that the effect lasts until middle and old age.However, the functional and structural changes in the brain related to the maintenance and promotion of cognitive function in later years were unclear.

　This study included 214 young adults to the elderly (ages 26-69).The relationship between childhood motor experience and cognitive function, and the functional and structural brain networks and cortical structures related to that relationship, were investigated using questionnaire surveys, measurement of cognitive function by tasks, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). I checked it.

　An analysis of the relationship between the presence or absence of exercise experience in childhood and the error rate of tasks shows that those who have exercise experience in childhood (up to 12 years old) have a low error rate and high cognitive function in later years. Was done.On the other hand, no relationship was found between motor experience after puberty and cognitive function.The relationship between childhood motor experience and cognitive function is modular separation of brain networks (separation into cohesive building blocks), strengthening of structural connections between the left and right hemispheres, increased cortical thickness, and neurites. It was suggested that this was due to the flicker and decrease in density.

　Exercise during childhood, which is sensitive to the formation of brain networks that depend on the environment and experience, is expected to promote optimization of brain networks and lead to maintenance and enhancement of cognitive functions in later years.

Paper information:[Neuro Image] Childhood exercise predicts response inhibition in later life via changes in brain connectivity and structure