Movement and How it Affects the Brain
- Dr. Joshua Beaudry
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
If movement were a pill, it would be the most powerful drug ever created.
Because movement is not about muscles. It’s about the brain—how it organizes itself, how it adapts, and how it perceives the world around you.
When movement decreases, brain function decreases. When movement increases, brain function increases.
The Brain’s Primary Job: Prediction
Your brain’s job is not just to react—it’s to predict.
It is constantly calculating:
Where your body is in space
Where your body is going
What your body might encounter next
Movement is the input that fuels these predictions.
When movement is clear and accurate, the brain builds a reliable map of reality. When movement is limited or distorted, that map becomes inaccurate.
The Inputs That Drive Movement and Brain Function
Movement is driven by three major systems that inform the brain:
1. Proprioception (Joints & Muscles)
This is how your body senses position.
Key areas include:
Jaw
Upper neck
Spine
Ankles
These are critical for telling your brain where you are in space.
This is where chiropractic care plays a major role—ensuring these joints are sending clear, accurate signals to the brain.
2. Vestibular System (Balance & Motion)
This system comes from:
Inner ear
Eyes
Cerebellum
It helps regulate:
Balance
Head position
Spatial awareness
3. Visual System (Eyes & Tracking)
Your vision helps guide movement and orient you in space.
Your brain integrates all three systems to create a real-time map of your environment.
When Movement Isn’t Working Properly
If movement input is poor or inconsistent, the brain struggles to predict accurately.
This can show up as:
Anxiety
Brain fog
Clumsiness
Poor coordination
Feeling “off” or disconnected
Because when the brain cannot predict well, it increases uncertainty and stress.
What Movement Does for the Brain
Movement doesn’t just improve circulation—it changes the brain.
When you move:
Blood flow increases
Oxygen delivery improves
Glucose is regulated
But more importantly:
BDNF Increases
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) acts like fertilizer for the brain:
Enhances neuroplasticity
Strengthens connections
Improves learning and memory
Dopamine Increases
Boosts motivation
Helps initiate and complete tasks
Norepinephrine Increases
Enhances focus
Improves attention and alertness
Not All Movement Is Equal
To create real brain change, movement must be:
1. Novel (New)
The brain thrives on new experiences.
Examples:
Movements above your head
Side-to-side movements
Backward movement
2. Coordinated
Multiple joints working together:
Full-body integration
Complex patterns
3. Challenging
It should feel slightly difficult:
Increased heart rate
Increased breathing
Mental engagement
Movement and Cognitive Performance
Your ability to focus is not just mental—it is physical.
Focus depends on:
Posture
Eye movement
Head stability
If these are not functioning properly, you may experience:
Decreased focus
Poor retention
Slower processing speed
Reduced cognitive performance
Best Movements for Brain Health
To optimize brain function, include:
Cross-Body Movements
Crawling
Marching
Sports like tennis
Balance Training
Standing on one leg
Walking on uneven surfaces
Head & Eye Coordination
Tracking objects
Turning your head while maintaining visual focus
Rhythmic Movements
Walking
Dancing
Drumming
The Takeaway
Movement is not optional for brain health—it is essential.
It shapes how your brain perceives reality, predicts outcomes, regulates stress, and performs cognitively.
When you move better, you think better. When you move more, you become more adaptable.
Movement is one of the most powerful ways to change your brain—and your life.
Life Springs Family Chiropractic – Denver, CO
Call/Text: (303) 770-0605
Website: lifespringsfamilychiropractic.com
