Brain resting state functional connectivity changes with aerobic exercise, and mindfulness: A narrative review.
Sports Medicine and Health Science July 1, 2026 David Wing, Bart Roelands, Abraham Z. Snyder et al.
A narrative review of 30 studies examined how exercise, mindful movement, and mindfulness training affect resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the brains of non-clinical adults. Most studies reported changes in rsFC within the default mode, executive control, and salience networks. However, the largest and most methodologically rigorous study found minimal associations between rsFC and either exercise or mindfulness. Given the inconsistent results, caution is warranted in interpreting changes in rsFC attributable to these interventions. Methodological consistency in fMRI acquisition, data preparation, and analytical approaches is crucial to improve reproducibility and allow for comparison and aggregation.