Omole Joseph G, Okon Idara A, Udom Godswill J, Aziakpono Omoirri M, Agbana Richard D, Aturamu Ayodeji, Niwamanya Nicodemus, Oritsemuelebi Benjamin, Etukudo Ekom M, Yemitan Omoniyi K
Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.
Physiol Rep. 2025 Jul;13(13):e70439. doi: 10.14814/phy2.70439.
The brain-heart connection, particularly during physical activity, plays a crucial role in health and disease management. This review examined the neurophysiological mechanisms driving cardiovascular adaptations to exercise, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between the brain and heart. Key mediators such as central autonomic networks, brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) enhance neural plasticity and vascular health. Regular structured exercise (e.g., high-intensity interval training, moderate and resistance exercise) moderates autonomic responses, increases BDNF, and supports neurovascular coupling, improving both cognitive and cardiovascular resilience through molecular pathways such as PGC-1α and TrkB signaling. Exercise enhances cerebral perfusion, reduces oxidative stress, and protects brain-heart health. It mitigates risks linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, by promoting neuroplasticity and vascular integrity. This review highlights the importance of incorporating exercise-based interventions in clinical practice and public health policies to optimize cognitive and cardiovascular health. Future studies should explore exercise-induced neurovascular coupling to further elucidate the mechanisms connecting brain and cardiovascular health.
脑心连接，尤其是在体育活动期间，在健康和疾病管理中起着至关重要的作用。本综述研究了驱动心血管系统对运动产生适应性变化的神经生理机制，重点关注脑与心脏之间的双向关系。诸如中枢自主神经网络、脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）和血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）等关键介质可增强神经可塑性和血管健康。定期进行有组织的运动（如高强度间歇训练、适度运动和抗阻运动）可调节自主反应、增加BDNF，并支持神经血管耦合，通过诸如PGC-1α和TrkB信号传导等分子途径改善认知和心血管弹性。运动可增强脑灌注、减少氧化应激，并保护脑心健康。通过促进神经可塑性和血管完整性，运动可减轻与神经退行性疾病（如阿尔茨海默病和帕金森病）相关的风险。本综述强调了将基于运动的干预措施纳入临床实践和公共卫生政策以优化认知和心血管健康的重要性。未来的研究应探索运动诱导的神经血管耦合，以进一步阐明连接脑与心血管健康的机制。
