Scientists Discover Area of Brain Responsible for Exercise Motivation

In a recent study published by the Journal of Neuroscience, scientists at Seattle Children’s Research Institute have discovered an area of the brain that could control a person’s motivation to exercise and participate in other rewarding activities — potentially leading to improved treatments for depression. During the study, scientists discovered that a tiny region of the brain — the dorsal medial habenula — controls the desire to exercise in mice. The structure of the habenula is similar in humans and rodents, and these basic functions in mood regulation and motivation are likely to be the same across species. Because exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological therapies for depression, determining that such a specific area of the brain may be responsible for motivation to exercise could help researchers develop more targeted, effective treatments. “Without a functional dorsal medial habenula, the mice became couch potatoes,” said one of the authors of the study. “They were physically capable of running but appeared unmotivated to do it.” During the study, scientists used groups of mice and activated the dorsal medial habenula using optogenetics — a precise laser technology. The mice could “choose” to activate this area of the brain by turning one of two response wheels with their paws. Results of the study showed that the mice strongly preferred turning the wheel that stimulated the dorsal medial habenula, demonstrating that this area of the brain is tied to rewarding behavior. To read more about this study, click here.