Scientists Discover Brain Region Linked to Exercise Motivation

Scientists may have just uncovered the region of the brain responsible for exercise motivation. The findings could give researchers a way to potentially create improved treatments for depression.

The region of the brain in question is the dorsal medial habenula, which can actually control the desire to exercise in mice. In humans, the structure is similar and these basic functions in mood regulation and motivation are likely to be the same across species.

In this case, the researchers used mouse models that were genetically engineered to block signals from the dorsal medial habenula. When compared to typical mice, the genetically engineered mice were lethargic and ran far less. In addition, they lost their preference for sweetened drinking water.

"Changes in physical activity and the inability to enjoy rewarding or pleasurable experiences are two hallmarks of major depression," said Eric Turner, one of the researchers, in a news release. "But the brain pathways responsible for exercise motivation have not been well understood. Now, we can seek ways to manipulate activity within this specific area of the brain without impacting the rest of the brain's activity."

In fact, the researchers found that without a functional dorsal medial habenula, the mice were unmotivated to run, despite being physically capable. Essentially, they were turned into couch potatoes. Yet these new findings could potentially represent a way to find new treatments for depression and other ailments.

"Working in mental health can be frustrating," said Turner. "We have not made a lot of progress in developing new treatments. I hope the more we can learn about how the brain functions the more we can help people with all kinds of mental illness."

The findings are published in the Journal of Neuroscience.