The Impact of Regular Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions - Harvard Research Findings

2024-01-10 17:32:26

Harvard researchers have evaluated how regular physical activity influences cognitive functions. Although it is not known which physical exercise is better than another to improve memory, almost all research points to one in particular.

One of the basic pillars that support a healthy life is physical exercise. Until then, nothing new under the sun. At the bone, muscle, cardiovascular level… The benefits of sport are numerous and varied, both physically and mentally. Now, Harvard has highlighted how regular physical activity benefits the brain and, more specifically, memory and thinking skills.

The institution has indicated that exercise produces chemicals that stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, as well as the survival of brain cells. “There is a lot of evidence behind this,” said Scott McGinnis, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, who said that following a moderate physical exercise program for six months has been shown to increase brain regions.

In addition, exercise influences the improvement of mood and sleep, as well as the reduction of stress and anxiety. All these parameters affect, in turn, cognitive functions. Although it is not known which physical exercise is better than another to improve memory, almost all research has focused on one: walking. However, according to the Harvard neurologist, “other forms of aerobic exercise that get the heart pumping are likely to produce similar benefits.”

And meta-analysis recent study evaluated different exercise parameters (frequency, intensity, duration, type or volume) and their effects on cognitive function in children, adults and older people. The investigation concluded that physical activity benefited general cognition and all subcognitive levels, especially aerobic and resistance exercise. Of all age groups, older people showed the greatest benefits of exercise on global cognition, executive function, and memory.

How to get the most out of exercise

From Harvard, the following advice is given so that regular exercise has an impact on the improvement of cognitive functions:

Try to do sports at a moderate intensity, like walking briskly for 150 minutes a week.
Start a few minutes a day and increase by 5 to 10 minutes each week.
Have patiencesince several studies have shown that it takes around six months to begin reaping the cognitive benefits of exercise.