New research shows that a regular
exercise routine can boost cognitive function.
In the study, previously
sedentary adults were put through four months of high-intensity interval
training. At the end, their cognitive functions — the ability to think, recall
and make quick decisions — had improved significantly, said Dr. Martin Juneau,
director of prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute. “If you talk to people
who exercise, they say they feel sharper. Now we’ve found a way to measure
that,” he said.
The study, presented at the
Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, looked at adults, average age 49, who were
overweight and inactive. The researchers measured their cognitive function with
neuropsychological testing, as well as their body composition, blood flow to
the brain, cardiac output and their maximum ability to tolerate exercise. The
participants then began a twice-a-week routine with an exercise bike and
circuit weight training. After four months their weight, body mass index, fat
mass and waist circumference were all lower.
Meanwhile, their capacity to
exercise (measured by VO2 max) was up 15 percent, according to the researchers.
Cognitive function had also increased, based on follow-up testing, according to
Juneau. These improvements were proportional to the changes in exercise
capacity and body weight, he noted, explaining that the more people could
exercise, and the more weight they lost, the sharper they became. A decline in
cognitive function is a normal part of aging, according to Juneau, who observed
that the drop can be worse for people who have coronary disease. “It’s
reassuring to know that you can at least partially prevent that decline by
exercising and losing weight,” he said.
Psych Central
Please share
No comments:
Post a Comment