Exercise Improves White Matter Connectivity in Teenagers with Increased Fractional Anisotropy Values Seen Using Diffusion Tensor MRI.

Background and Objectives Physical exercise can induce brain changes with martial arts athletes having higher gray matter tissue densities and gray matter volumes compared to sedentary individuals,. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can study white matter pathways, allowing assessment beyond volume. We studied white matter tracks in group of teenagers from the judo academy, compared against a control group. Material and Methods Study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and written consent was obtained from all participants and their parents/guardians. Fourteen …