How moving improves your brain.
Take a few more steps daily and you are on to your way to improving your cognitive functioning. A recent report from the University of Georgia (USA) suggests that walking a little does more than improve your cardiovascular function.
You already know that you should get some physical activity, eat well, sleep, and interact with others. Let’s look at how physical activity may protect your cognitive functioning as you age.
The good news? Physical activity to improve your future brain doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon and do that Hawaii triathlon by 39 years old.
MOVING improves YOUR BRAIN.
University of Georgia researchers tracked the physical activity and fitness of 51 older adults. The scientists measured the participants’ cognitive functioning and then had them do brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Each subject wore a device measuring their physical activity intensity, steps taken, and distance traveled. The researchers assessed the fitness of the 51 adults by putting them through a six-minute walking test. The subjects ambulated as fast as possible (to cover the most distance within the specified time).
Did exercise cause brain changes?
Physical activity improves your brain.
Our brains are composed of many distinct networks. These networks constantly share information.
For example, one part of your brain is active as you read this piece. A separate brain region may dominate when you walk to the kitchen to grab a snack. As one network turns on, another turns down. If we don’t coordinate these functions, we have a problem.
Unfortunately, with age, we can have more challenges with the activities of daily living. The current researchers wanted to know how these networks interact with fitness and physical activity.
In a first of its kind study, the University of Georgia (USA) scientists discovered:
Physical activity and fitness serve as protective factors for the aging brain.
This study is the first to show how these networks interact with physical activity and fitness.
Listen to one of the researchers:
“This paper gives us evidence that when people whose brain networks aren’t functioning engage in physical activity, we see improvement in their executive function and their independence.”
The takeaway? We have one more study suggesting that we will improve our physical and psychological well-being by doing simple things. Stand up and walk 75 steps. Take a moment at lunch to move. You don’t need to do high-intensity exercise.
Thank you for joining me in this brief look at how moving improves your brain.
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The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
