This thesis investigates the developmental trajectory of visuo-spatial working memory as well as the potential influence of acute exercise on working memory performance. Individuals between the ages of 6 and 25 years were randomly assigned to a 30-minute bout of exercise on an elliptical trainer or to a no-exercise control condition. Participants then performed a computerized N-back task to ass...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental activities. Scientists have found that remaining relatively active can lead to better brain activities in those at risk of developing AD. In some Meta-analyses of prospective investigations, a significantly reduced risk of dementia related to midlife exercise have been proven. Most studies have bee...

Increasing evidence indicates that physical activity reduces brain damage after stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercise-induced neuroprotection is associated with improved brain integrity in stroke. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old, n=38) exercised on a treadmill, which required repetitive locomotor movement, for 30 minutes each day for 3 weeks. Then, usi...

Regular exercise broadly enhances physical and mental health throughout the lifespan. Animal models have provided us with the tools to gain a better understanding of the underlying biochemical, physiological, and morphological mechanisms through which exercise exerts its beneficial cognitive effects. One brain region in particular, the hippocampus, is especially responsive to exercise. It is cr...

During strenuous exercise there is a progressive increase in lactate uptake and metabolism into the brain as workload and plasma lactate levels increase. Although it is now widely accepted that the brain can metabolize lactate, few studies have directly measured brain lactate following vigorous exercise. Here, we used ultra-high field magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain to obtain stati...