A new study commissioned by Asics (a Japanese multinational that produces sports apparel, shoes, and accessories) reveals that exercise can significantly improve cognitive function in people who exercise.
As part of this research, Professor Brandon Stubbs invited 77 competitive athletes from around the world who had never exercised to participate in a four-month training program. Under the guidance of the coach, the guests - professionals in chess, Chinese mahjong, and esports - participated in medium-impact cardio and strength training sessions, completing the activities totaling 150 minutes per week.
Meanwhile, a film crew followed four players to record a documentary called "Mind Games, The Experiment".
Dr. Stubbs, who measured gamers' problem-solving abilities, short-term memory, and executive function - the ability to juggle and prioritize tasks - said: We observed that exercise in this category of highly professional individuals had a beneficial effect on their cognitive ability. This is widely considered to be a 10% increase, he added. he added. It has even been shown that there have been upgrades in the manner they play
Their national ranking has increased by an average of 50%, while their international ranking has increased by 75 percent.
So if these professional players can show great growth, can exercise help everyone hone their mental abilities?
Strengthen gray matter in the brain
Dr. Emer McSweeney, CEO, and consultant neuroradiologist at Re: Cognition Health (recognitionhealth.com) (which specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cognitive disorders, or mental health issues), accepts that Cerebrum reinforcing practices have many perceived and demonstrated benefits, from decreasing pressure and tension to further developing energy, consideration, and focus, through the improvement of memory, the reduction of cerebral aging, and associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists don't yet know exactly why exercise is associated with cognition, but brain scan studies suggest that when heart rate increases, new neural pathways form that connect areas of the brain linked to functions such as problem-solving, memory, and emotions.
Professor Brandon Stubbs says: “When an individual exercises, new pathways are formed that grow and increase their strength, just like muscles. The more these pathways are used, the stronger they become in the short term. In the longer term, these areas also increase."
In addition to the above, he explains that exercise stimulates the production of chemicals such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin growth factor. Those are the two factors that animate the development of new cells in the region of the cerebrum, truly answering muscle compression, which improves the mind in a truly certain manner by greasing up those associations, he adds.
Long term links
So being fit might make you less likely to lose your car keys or procrastinate on a daily basis, but could it help prevent cognitive decline over the course of your life?
"Exercise is thought to stimulate brain cell growth and survival, which may help reduce the risk of dementia," says McSweeney of RE: Cognition Health. "It also helps promote sleep, which is necessary for all aspects of functioning.", including reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and helping to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues."
Table of Mental Exercises
If like the players in the ASICS study, you're starting from scratch on your fitness journey, there's no need to immediately jump into marathon or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. . , but at a high rate).
Professor Stubbs advises beginners to do "exercises that people enjoy because they are more likely to start over and over again. Whether it's walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, taking a fitness class, or an individual session, he tries several options and chooses the one that suits him best.
Then, whenever you've finished a progression of exercises, you can keep on changing up your workout exercises. You can hang out with friends, do outdoor activities, and the point is, you try and enjoy. of everything you do.
On the off chance that you consistently do cardiovascular preparation or strength preparation, attempt a blend of the two for best outcomes, says Stubbs. Study participants gradually increased their moderate-intensity activity per week, up to about 150 minutes, including strength training, over two days. is really the ideal situation for everybody.
In any case, he likewise noticed that the rate at which individuals progress with practice fluctuates from one individual to another. It's important to remember that a little is better than nothing, and more is better than a little.
When it comes to times when the individual wants a quick increase in brain power, such as preparing for an important exam or a job interview, moderate exercise that lasts 20 minutes before the big event is best. AVERAGE.
Professor Stubbs explains that it "helps to excite the nervous system first and then calm it down later. It's a perfect thing to do just before the event, to help you concentrate, to feel calmer in your heart, and perform better."
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