Being Out of Shape Could Have a Scary Effect on Your Brain
As if you needed more evidence that workouts are good for more than just keeping your body toned, a new study indicates that they may help keep your memory sharp, too. The research, published in Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience,
found that young adults who were aerobically fit racked up better
results on memory tests than their more sedentary counterparts.
Researchers tested 75 college students over a three-day period. They
measured their peak oxygen consumption, which determines aerobic
fitness, via a treadmill test (taking into account each student's body
fat percentage, weight, age, and sex). They also had the participants
study word pairs. Finally, researchers quizzed the students on the word
pairs to gauge their long-term memory (defined as anything remembered
for longer than 30 seconds) and implicit memory (the kind you're not
conscious of that lets you do tasks on autopilot, like walking or tying
your shoe). The students who had the lowest peak oxygen consumption also
showed the poorest long-term and implicit memory, suggesting a link
between physical fitness and strong mental recall.
"The findings show that lower-fit individuals lose more memory across
time," said Kimberly Fenn, a study co-author and an assistant professor
of psychology at Michigan State University, in a press release.
The study is the first to take a look at young adults, memory, and
exercise; previous research focused on the brains of children or senior
citizens. Besides giving you another great reason to lace up your kicks
and get moving, the study shows that working out has definite cognitive
benefits in addition to these other ways exercise affects your brain. If you've been on an extended break from the gym, these tips will motivate you to get back in the habit of exercising.
No comments :
Post a Comment