Happiness and cognition hormone

A study exploring the mechanisms behind why cognitive performance improves in response to exercise, has found that dopamine plays a key role.

The neurotransmitter and hormone -- which is tied to pleasure, satisfaction and motivation -- is known to increase when you work out.

New findings suggest it is also linked to faster reaction time during exercise.

The researchers behind the discovery say it could lead to a new therapeutic pathway for cognitive health, because of dopamine's significant role in several conditions including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, addiction, and depression.

The results revealed that when a participant cycled lying down in the machine, their brain increased the amount of dopamine release, and that this process was linked with improved reaction time.

Source: University of Portsmouth