Brain Injury & Exercise: The Science Behind Recovery

Free Educational Presentation with Dr. Kurt Smith | University of Victoria Can exercise help the brain recover after an injury? Exercise is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for supporting brain health, but what actually happens inside the brain when we move? Dr. Kurt Smith from the University of Victoria will share insights from current research, exploring how physical activity influences blood flow, oxygen delivery, and the brain's ability to adapt. What You'll Learn • How exercise influences blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. • The science behind exercise and its potential role in brain injury recovery. • How the brain responds and adapts to physical activity. • How age and biological sex may influence the brain's response to exercise. • What current research suggests about exercise and long-term brain health. Meet the Speaker: Dr. Kurt Smith, BSc (UofL), MSc (UL), PhD (UBCO) Dr. Kurt Smith is an Associate Professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education at the University of Victoria and Director of the Cerebrovascular Health, Exercise, Environment, Regulation and Sex (CHEERS) Laboratory. His research explores how exercise affects brain blood flow, vascular function, and energy metabolism. Through laboratory experiments and international field expeditions, his team investigates how the brain responds to physical activity and environmental challenges to advance brain health, recovery, and healthy aging.