The human brain adapts to changing demands by altering its functional and structural properties (“neuroplasticity”) which enables learning and acquiring new skills. Convergent evidence from both human and animal studies suggests that enhanced physical fitness facilitates neuroplasticity of certain brain structures.

This special is being proposed in a very challenging time. There is evidence that increased physical exercise is associated with an enhancement of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and the release of neurotrophins as well as neuroendocrinological changes. These modifications in turn correlate with beneficial cognitive and (fine) motor effects.

We invite investigators to contribute articles that will add findings to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of physical exercise resulting in positive behavioral consequences. We are interested in articles describing the effects of exercise on healthy individuals of different ages and psychiatric patients as well as on animal research.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Comparison between aerobic exercise and other types of interventions to treat mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) or neurological disorders such as parkinsonism and related disorders or to enhance cognitive functioning
• Interaction of aerobic exercise with brain derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol levels to predict neurobiological functioning in patients
• Combination of physical and cognitive training and a possible mutual enhancement of both interventions
• Possible biological moderators and mediators (e.g., hormones, measures of ANS activity) of physical exercise on mental health as well as cognitive and motor performance