In a new study, researchers found that moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking, water aerobics or cycling can have the most beneficial effect on memory performance.
These findings suggest that it is not necessary for people to carry out highly strenuous exercise to achieve observable improvements in long-term memory, as moderate exercise can have a more positive influence.
This study supports new approaches to preserve memory in older age, in particular the treatment of patients with memory deficiencies.
Furthermore, guidelines for memory enhancement through exercise could provide a boost for students in exam settings or even help people with daily tasks such as remembering the items on a shopping list.
The research was conducted by a team at the University of Kent.
The team concluded these findings after testing how varying intensities of exercise, or different types of rest, could directly affect participants’ performances on a recognition memory test.
The research indicates that it is not necessary to overexert oneself in order to achieve observable cognitive improvements.
If clear guidelines were developed to enhance memory through moderate-intensity exercise, it could not only help support patients with memory deficiencies, but be useful for initiatives in schools, workplaces, and society.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Amir-Homayoun Javadi.
The study is published in the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.
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