03/29/2026
Can one workout improve brain function the next day?
A “hot off the press” study found that a single session of maximal incremental exercise increased circulating BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) 24 hours later and selectively improved aspects of memory linked to executive function.
Key findings:
🧠 BDNF levels were highest 24 hours after exercise
🧠 Improvements in verbal immediate recall
🧠 Improvements in visuospatial working memory
🧠 No changes in delayed recall or convergent creative thinking
🧠 Cognitive gains were not directly correlated with BDNF increases
These results suggest that even one bout of intense exercise may enhance specific memory systems involved in attention and executive processing. This adds to growing evidence that exercise is a powerful, low-cost strategy for supporting brain performance across the lifespan.
Implications:
Exercise today may help your brain perform better tomorrow!
📄 Study citation:
Tommasini, E., Turco, E., Cancer, A., Colautti, L., & Iannello, P…Tavian, D. (2026). Acute Exercise Increases BDNF and Short-term Memory in Healthy Adults. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
