# Physical activity and mental or cognitive health studies > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/physical-activity-and-mental-or-cognitive-health-studies > Updated: 2026-10-29T06:00:01.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Recent research published in JAMA Network Open and Scientific Reports explores the relationship between daily step counts and various aspects of brain health. An analysis of over 5,500 adolescents in the US suggests that higher daily step counts are correlated with fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Researchers noted that participants walking over 12,000 steps daily reported the fewest symptoms, while those walking fewer than 5,000 steps showed the most. MRI scans also indicated differences in cortical thickness in brain regions related to emotional regulation and motor function. In a separate study involving over 3,000 adults, researchers found that increased physical activity is linked to improved cognitive performance. Participants who took more steps performed better on tests measuring attention, concentration, self-control, and decision-making. The study indicated that every additional 1,000 steps per day was associated with higher scores in these cognitive tasks. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Walking linked to improved cognitive health in new study A study published in Scientific Reports found that higher daily step counts are linked to better attention, concentration, and self-control in adults aged 18 to 93. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/walking-linked-to-improved-cognitive-health-in-new-study ### 2026-10-14: Increased daily steps linked to better adolescent mental health A study of over 5,500 US adolescents suggests that higher daily step counts are linked to better mental health and subtle differences in brain structure related to emotion regulation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/increased-daily-steps-linked-to-better-adolescent-mental-health --- Cite as: Physical activity and mental or cognitive health studies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/physical-activity-and-mental-or-cognitive-health-studies