It is well known that exercise is good for brain health. What kind of exercise should I do? While moderate to vigorous exercise generally has cognitive benefits, all types of physical activity, including light walking, have been shown to improve cognitive processing speed.

According to Medical News Today, researchers at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine monitored participants' activity levels in real-time through mobile phones and assessed cognitive processing speed several times a day.

 

The researchers found that engaging in daily activities regardless of exercise intensity can lower cognitive age by as much as 4 years in a short period.

Participants received a survey about physical activity five times a day on a mobile phone app for seven days and participated in two brain games.

 

The first game was to press the symbol that matches the symbol displayed at the top of the screen at the bottom of the screen. After 12 rounds, the average response time was recorded in the app. This score increased after physical activity.

 

The second game was to remember and mark the positions of three points on a grid pattern. In the four-round game, although the scores did not improve after physical activity, the participants responded more quickly even if their responses were inaccurate.

 

Assistant Professor Jonathan G. Hakun of the university's neurology and psychology departments said, "As people age, their cognitive processing speed can slow by up to 15 milliseconds (ms) per year." Participants in this study experienced an improvement of about 60 ms. This corresponds to a reduction of approximately four years in the typical decline of cognitive processing speed.

 

This study classified participants' physical activities into light activities (housework, walking the dog, cleaning, other activities requiring minimal effort), moderate activities (brisk walking, easy cycling, jogging), and vigorous activities (running, fast cycling, strenuous hiking).

 

Sports neurologist Dr. Vernon Williams said, "It's interesting that even short-term daily activities have benefits." He explained, "High-intensity and long-term exercise release certain chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain that are beneficial for cognitive health, and they also improve cardiovascular function." He added, "Increased blood flow to the frontal lobe may be related to or correlated with regular physical activity."

 

=============

A light walk has a positive effect on brain health

I went for a walk yesterday afternoon after 4 o'clock.

It was a bit cold at that time now.

Take a walk during a sunny time.