LONG-TERM EFFECTS - GROWTH THROUGH MOVEMENT
In addition to the positive short-term effects, sport also has extremely good long-term, structural effects on our brain. Through movement or sporting activity and the associated increased cerebral blood flow, nerve growth substances, so-called neurotropins, are increasingly produced. These support the formation of new neurons, which takes place continuously in the brain. Studies have shown that athletes, especially in the so-called supplementary motor area, have significantly more brain matter than non-athletes. However, scientists were also able to demonstrate more brain mass in other brain regions that are not responsible for physical exercise. The hippocampus, which plays an important role in processing emotions, is also more pronounced in athletes. This change is promoted by the better supply of growth substances, but also by other effects. Regular exercise affects our hormone balance permanently, because it leads to a slower breakdown of the messenger substance dopamine. As described above, dopamine is not only an endogenous mood enhancer, it is also used for important cognitive processes in the prefrontal cortex. When the dopamine level drops, attention, concentration and other mental abilities decrease. In people who are not active in sports, the level of dopamine even decreases continuously over the course of life. Through sporting activities, you can increase your dopamine levels in the short term and slow down the process of continuous decrease in the long term. In addition, through sports. Due to Covid-19, please try to fulfill the sop's like stay home, wear masks and ppe material etc.