The neurobiology of sport | Natalia Monkiewicz | TEDxTrilo Youth

Health & Wellness - Over 80% of adolescents worldwide do not meet the World Health Organization's standard of at least one hour of daily physical activity [2] - A 2011 study showed that regular physical activity can increase the volume of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory [7][8] - Participants who exercised regularly experienced a 2% increase in hippocampus volume over a year, while inactive adults typically see a 1% decrease [10] - Physical activity aids in the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports learning and memory [11][12] Stress Management & Cognitive Function - Physical exercise can help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing the negative impacts of chronic stress and cortisol [17][19] - Regular physical activity can improve performance under pressure and enhance the ability to cope with stressful situations [28][29] Evolutionary Biology & Learning - From an evolutionary perspective, physical exertion and heightened brain activity are interconnected for survival, aiding in analyzing situations and adapting to stressors [5][6]