Regular low intensity exercise can improve brain health, says study

A recent study led by researcher Michelle Voss from the University of Iowa in Lowa City states that single session of low-level physical activities even in elderly people can help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment as they age. The study advocates that regular basic workout can benefit the brain health in the long run. The study aims to encourage people to exercise highlighting both the short-term as well as long-term benefits.

Participants of the study underwent functional MRI scans measuring brain activity and assessment to test their working memory once following single sessions of workout including light and moderate intensity exercise. The second evaluation was done after a 12-week fitness program. It was found that the participants had improvements in brain network connectivity and the largest cognitive benefits after single workouts.

The author of the study Michelle Voss said that the study shows the importance of staying physically active. “Think about how physical activity may help your cognition today and see what works. Day by day, the benefits of physical activity can add up,” says the author.

Though benefits of exercises to the physical health is known, the significance of physical activity for our brains is not often highlighted. “We need to address socio-economic barriers like cost and accessibility to motivate older adults to regularly engage in healthful behaviours. We want to help a large segment of the aging population that is sedentary or unable to tap into volunteer opportunities by providing opportunities to increase meaningful physical activity,” says the researcher.

The study shows that the participants with minor physical activities such as regular walking, experienced experience better memory and other cognitive improvements. “Exercises definitely benefits the functioning of the brain as it induces the production of antitoxins. When one exercises, various tendons, muscles and joints move in a coordinated pattern that refreshes the brain circuits. The increase in the traffic towards the train increases as a greater number of signals are sent towards it, which improves the cognitive functioning of the brain,” said Dr Lakshmi Narasimhan R, director and professor of neurology, Madras Medical College.

Doctors say that the production of antitoxins during exercises is not only a feel-good factor to the brain, but also refreshes the brain activity over time. “The motor planning areas of the brain are activated with specific exercise patterns followed regularly. Regular exercises are good for all age groups and low-intensity exercises can improve the cognitive functioning of the brain,” said consultant neuro-physician at Gleneagles Global Health City, Dr Satish Kumar.