Exercise Lowers Brain Age, MRI Study Finds

Consistent aerobic exercise may help the brain remain biologically younger.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:15pm

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A new study from the AdventHealth Research Institute found that adults who committed to a full year of aerobic exercise had brains that appeared almost one year younger than those of participants who did not change their activity levels. The research showed that regular aerobic exercise could slow or even reverse 'brain age,' which is estimated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and reflects how old the brain appears compared to a person's actual age.

Why it matters

This study offers encouraging evidence that a simple, guideline-based exercise program can make the brain look measurably younger over just 12 months. As people worry about protecting their brain health as they age, this research provides hopeful guidance grounded in everyday habits that could matter over the course of decades.

The details

The clinical trial included 130 healthy adults between the ages of 26 and 58. Participants were randomly assigned to either a moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise group or a usual-care control group. Those in the exercise group completed two supervised 60-minute workout sessions each week in a laboratory and added home-based exercise to reach roughly 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, matching physical activity guidelines. Researchers measured brain structure using MRI scans and assessed cardiorespiratory fitness through peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at the start of the study and again after 12 months.

  • The study was published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science on February 1, 2026.
  • The clinical trial lasted for 12 months.

The players

Dr. Lu Wan

The lead author of the study and a data scientist at the AdventHealth Research Institute.

AdventHealth Research Institute

The research institute that conducted the study on the effects of exercise on brain age.

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What they’re saying

“We found that a simple, guideline-based exercise program can make the brain look measurably younger over just 12 months.”

— Dr. Lu Wan, Lead author and data scientist (Journal of Sport and Health Science)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate the long-term effects of exercise on brain health and explore the underlying mechanisms by which physical activity may slow or reverse brain aging.

The takeaway

This study provides encouraging evidence that a consistent aerobic exercise routine can help the brain remain biologically younger, supporting clearer thinking, better memory, and overall mental well-being as people age. The findings offer a simple, actionable way for people to protect their brain health through everyday habits.