Neurobiological origins of impulsive behavior in adolescence: possibilities of physical exercise

Abstract Objective This article aimed to understand the neurobiological origins of adolescent behavior and how the possibility of practicing physical exercises can attenuate the maturational tendency for impulse behaviors in this age group. Method For this purpose, a bibliographic research of a narrative nature was carried out in the databases SciELO, Web of Science, PubMed, and in books. Results The data revealed that during adolescence there is a propensity as a function of neurobiological development to search for rewarding behaviors in the short term. In this sense, bodily practices, including exercise, can be an essential component in the search to increase the neural control of impulses through a neurobiological and sociological bias. Conclusion It is concluded that exercise can be a propelling means in the search to attenuate the immediate and even risky behaviors of the adolescent brain, increasing higher cognitive functions with this better cortical control.