Exercise enhances brain health

Exercise Enhances Brain Health

Studies show that physically inactive children perform worse academically than their active counterparts (R).

Indeed, aerobically fit children outperform unfit children in tests for decision-making power (R).

Exercise increases BDNF, which increases neuronal survival, enhances learning, and protects against cognitive decline (R, R1).

Exercise also increases IGF-1. IGF-1 promotes neuronal growth, survival, and differentiation and improves cognitive performance (R).

Exercise enhances Klotho, the anti-aging and brain-boosting protein.

One study found that three 60 minute sessions of moderate physical activity per week increased memory. This was possibly due to increased blood flow to certain parts of the brain (hippocampi) (R).

Even in old people, aerobic exercise can increase cognition, brain size and power (R).

Studies have shown that without a regular exercise regime the brain deteriorates and loses cognitive power much faster (R).

In fact, one study found that elderly people who engage in aerobic exercise had bigger brains (R). Non-aerobic yoga or toning exercises did not produce the same effect.

One study found that, in obese children, physical activity caused improved executive function and mathematics test scores (R).

By strengthening neurogenesis, metabolism, and vascular function, exercise promotes brain plasticity (R).

Moderate physical activity increases neurotrophins, proteins that support brain plasticity (ability to change). As such, exercise is probably even more important for the young (<25), developing brain (R).

Exercise also promotes brain plasticity by strengthening neurogenesis, metabolism, and vascular function (R).

Swimming training improves cognitive functions in rats and lowers the accumulation of damaged proteins (R).

By regulating growth factors, exercise increases brain function (R).

Recent studies have shown that the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain can be increased by consumption of natural products like omega-3 fatty acids or plant polyphenols (R).

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