In a new study, researchers found even a single workout session could change how the brain works and make it more efficient.
The findings suggest exercise could boost brain functions and health.
The research was conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa.
It is known that exercise like running can improve people’s physical fitness.
Scientists have suggested that workouts also bring cognitive benefits in the long run.
Many studies have found how different types, amounts, and intensities of physical activity improve brain functions.
For example, one study tested 17 older people with an average age of 73. The people performed moderate to heavy aerobic exercises.
The study tested their cognitive functions such as executive function.
The researchers found that bouts of aerobic exercise, as brief as 10 minutes, could enhance the cognitive function of older adults.
The boost in executive function was found in participants at all levels of exercise intensity.
They suggested that people doing moderate levels of exercise intensity may get similar cognitive benefits by just exercising for 10 minutes.
However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown.
In the study, the team found immediate cognitive effects from exercise.
Participants underwent fMRI brain scans and working memory tests before and after single sessions of light and moderate workouts and after a 12-week long training program.
The exercise was done with recumbent cycles that had motorized pedals. They allowed the participants to either apply their own force to turn the pedals or to let the pedals do the work
The team found people who had the biggest improvements in cognition after single sessions of moderate exercise also had the biggest long-term gains in cognition.
The findings suggest that the brain changes observed after a single workout study may be used as a biomarker for long-term training.
The team hopes their findings could help a lot of older people who are sedentary or unable to do meaningful physical activities in daily life.
The lead author of the study is Michelle Voss from the University of Iowa.
The study was presented at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) in San Francisco.
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