Greater aerobic fitness could lead to more fibrous and compact white matter, a type of nerve tissue connected to learning and brain function, according to a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

Building on previous work revealing how stronger white matter fibres can lead to improved cognitive performance, the research has added further weight to the argument that exercise can have a positive impact on brain function.

Led by Laura Chaddock-Heyman, a University of Illinois research scientist at Urbana-Champaign's Beckman Institute, the study observed two dozen 9 and 10-year-olds, half of which were more physically fit than the others.

Using an MRI scanner, the researchers were able to detect an association between greater aerobic fitness and more fibrous and compact white matter in the brains of the participants.

The study also suggested links between how the matter works to send nerve signals between different parts of the brain, potentially impacting on memory and attention.

Growing amounts of research has alluded to the potential health benefits that exercise can bring, especially on the function of the brain.

For example, one study has shown that physical fitness can impact on the academic performance of children, while another has suggested that it can improve language abilities.

According to a piece of American university-led research, physical activity could also help to stave off depression in some schoolgirls.