The Impact of Exercise, Diet, and Meditation on Cognitive Function, Prefrontal Hemodynamics, Functional Connectivity, and Biochemical Parameters

Exercise, diet, and meditation enhance physical wellness and psychological well-being, commonly boosting productivity. However, their specific effects remain limited. This study assessed these methods using cognitive changes, prefrontal cortex blood flow, brain connectivity, key blood parameters, and daily self-assessments of 46 middle-aged Indo-Europeans (22 women) engaged in intermittent fasting, cardio-strength training, or daily meditation for 8 weeks. The meditation group showed significant improvement in executive function, with an increase in task-switching reaction time (255.22 ± 317.20 ms) and enhanced heart rate variability. There was a significant decrease in creatinine concentration (5.04 ± 0.89 g/dL) and an increase in zinc concentration. The diet group experienced a significant decrease in brain oxygenation (−2.48 ± 2.50 of TSI) and an increase in leptin levels (2.15 ± 0.04 g/dL). Over 60 min of daily physical activity correlated with quicker responses. All groups demonstrated improved attention compared to controls, with decreased inhibition latency (meditation: 12.97 ± 41.99 ms, diet: 9.90 ± 49.07 ms, exercise: 16.38 ± 49.07 ms). Meditation and exercise groups showed reduced connectivity across six frequency bands. Serotonin levels dropped notably in the diet group (99.02 ± 7.04 g/dL). After 2 months, exercise and meditation showed greater benefits than diet or controls.