We all know that sport is benefic for your heart, either you practice cycling, jogging, or swimming. A recent study, however, presumes that frequent aerobic exercises are also great for your brain health.
A team from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, led by Katharina Witteld, developed research between 2008 and 2012, examining 2,103 adults aged 21 to 84 years old. They realized an analysis of the aerobic exercise by calculating the top oxygen uptake.
The team examined as well the subjects’ maximum strength while exercising on a bicycle ergometer. Those parameters were developed to analyze that participants were involved enough in aerobic exercise to ensure it had a beneficial result on the heart.
The Research Detailed
The team realized some MRI scans to evaluate the result on the brain. They identified that grows in top oxygen uptake was linked with the boosted volume of grey matter (brain tissue), as observed on MRI scans.
The most prominent discovery is that the fragments of the brain most influenced by exercise were those involved in cognition or studying rather than, such as movement. The other great thing about the findings is that exercise helped study subjects of all ages, especially those over the age of 45.
Researchers also detailed many possible mechanisms to exist, and they can explain the discoveries. As the research by Wittfeld indicated, intense physical movements discharge chemicals from the muscles that, in turn, support the liver and other significant organs to release chemicals that boost brain-derived neurotrophic agent in the brain.
Another likely reason is that exercise doesn’t promote higher brain development, but that higher brain development urges people to exercise longer.
Start Practicing Aerobic Exercises
Moderate and frequent exercise is going to be great for your heart and probably good for your brain. It is highly recommended to exercise for half and an hour most days of the week, or 150 minutes/week. You can also start slowly with only a few minutes/day. Walking is considered an excellent and accessible activity. Other movements include dancing, swimming, or racquet sports.
