Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory.
Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Basak C, Szabo A, Chaddock Let al.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2011; 108(7):3017-3022
This study evaluates 1-year moderate-intensity aerobic walking program (starting at 10-15 min and building to 40 min, 3 days per week at 60-75% max heart rate) versus a stretching and toning control program of the same frequency and duration. in relation to Change in hippocampal volume measured by MRI and performance on spatial memory tests after 1 year.
Evidence-Based Research: Exercise Brain Health Fit Hip Jad
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1073/pnas.1015950108
- PMID
- 21282661
- PMC
- PMC3041121
- Journal
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Year
- 2011
- Volume
- 108
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 3017-3022
- Study type
- rct
- Evidence level
- Ib
- Sample size
- 120
- Intervention
- 1-year moderate-intensity aerobic walking program (starting at 10-15 min and building to 40 min, 3 days per week at 60-75% max heart rate) versus a stretching and toning control program of the same frequency and duration.
- Primary outcome
- Change in hippocampal volume measured by MRI and performance on spatial memory tests after 1 year
- Follow-up
- 12 months
- Funding
- government
- Effect size
- Hippocampal volume +2.12% (left) and +1.97% (right) in exercise group vs -1.40% and -1.43% in control (p<0.001); improved spatial memory correlated with volume increase
- Open access
- true
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of 1-year moderate-intensity aerobic walking program (starting at 10-15 min and building to 40 min, 3 days per week at 60-75% max heart rate) versus a stretching and toning control program of the same frequency and duration. on Change in hippocampal volume measured by MRI and performance on spatial memory tests after 1 year.
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 participants, investigating the effects of 1-year moderate-intensity aerobic walking program (starting at 10-15 min and building to 40 min, 3 days per week at 60-75% max heart rate) versus a stretching and toning control program of the same frequency and duration. on Change in hippocampal volume measured by MRI and performance on spatial memory tests after 1 year.
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: government
COI: None reported
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy