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New study shows: Physical activity promotes the formation of new nerve cells in the brain – and weakens traumatic or addiction-related memories.

Exercise as memory therapy? How sport can reduce traumatic memories

New study shows: Physical activity promotes the formation of new nerve cells – and reduces anxiety symptoms and addictive behaviour.

An international research group from Kyushu University (Japan) and the University of Toronto (Canada) achieved a highly acclaimed breakthrough in 2025: the targeted promotion of new nerve cells in the hippocampus – a centre for learning and memory – can significantly weaken or even completely erase harmful memories in mice. The study opens up new perspectives for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction – without the use of medication.

How does physical activity influence neurogenesis in the brain?

Neurogenesis describes the formation of new nerve cells – a process that takes place primarily in the hippocampus, the memory centre of the brain. The current study has shown that regular physical activity stimulates this process significantly more than genetic interventions alone.

Can new nerve cells alter harmful memories?

The mice in the study had previously experienced trauma-like events or addiction-related stimuli. In both cases, a phase of targeted exercise was followed by a significant reduction in these reactions: less anxiety behaviour and a lower tendency to relapse. The interpretation: new nerve cells change the structure of memory – stressful traces lose their power.

What does this mean for the treatment of post-traumatic stress?

The results suggest that physical exercise can have a therapeutic effect on PTSD symptoms by directly influencing the neural storage of traumatic experiences. This is not about "forgetting," but about decoupling stimulus and response.

What role does exercise play in addiction therapy?

Exercise has also proven to be an effective measure in the context of addiction disorders: the responsiveness to addiction-related stimuli decreased significantly. This suggests that exercise programmes can be a central element in relapse prevention – not as a substitute, but as an effective complement to existing therapies.

What are the advantages of exercise over medication?

While medication often has side effects, physical activity has a systemic effect with few side effects and lasting results. Exercise not only strengthens the brain, but also physical resilience, the immune system and stress regulation – key factors in stabilising mental health.

Is there any evidence that this can be transferred to humans?

Although the study was conducted on mice, previous research has already shown that exercise also promotes neurogenesis in humans. The change in memory traces shown here through exercise provides important clues for future clinical applications – for example, in anxiety disorders, depression or emotional stress.

How much exercise is needed to influence the brain?

In the study, regular running on a treadmill over several weeks was sufficient to achieve significant effects. Applied to humans, these results mean that consistency is crucial – moderate, regular exercise has a stronger effect than sporadic training.

How can physical activity be used therapeutically?

Targeted exercise routines can be structurally integrated into psychotherapeutic treatment, for example as a complementary component in the treatment of trauma, anxiety or addiction. It is important to tailor the programme to the individual's personal circumstances and needs.

What does research say about the connection between exercise, emotion and memory?

The study reinforces the assumption that emotion, memory formation and neuroplasticity are closely linked – and are positively influenced by physical activity. Exercise is not only an expression of the body, but also a tool of the brain that regulates emotional experience.

Conclusion: A natural way to change stressful memories?

This research shows that exercise is more than just prevention: it actively changes neural structures and can help break free from the imprint of past stress. Physical activity thus becomes an effective, non-pharmacological tool for promoting emotional healing processes.

Related articles:

Trauma, stress and resilience: neurobiology and ways to deal with stress and post-traumatic stress disorder

Trauma and the brain: Neurobiological consequences of early trauma