12.18.2012
Aerobic Exercise Optimizes Brain Function in Older Adults
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Although the physical and mental benefits of exercise and physical activity are well-acknowledged, a new study suggests that exercise can also improve the way the mind functions.
In a new review, researchers investigated the power of exercise to improve cognitive function throughout life.
Hayley Guiney and psychologist Dr. Liana Machado from the University of Otago, New Zealand, have published their review online in the publication Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
The researchers contend that a certain amount of mental deterioration is expected with advancing age. However, emerging studies suggests aerobic exercise can mitigate the mental decline for particular aspects of cognitive function such as task switching, selective attention and working memory among others.
Studies in older adults reviewed by the authors consistently found that fitter individuals scored better in mental tests than their unfit peers.
In addition, intervention studies found scores in mental tests improved in participants who were assigned to an aerobic exercise regimen compared to those assigned to stretch and tone classes.
Interestingly, these results were not replicated in children or young adults.
Investigators discovered physical fitness or regular exercise aided memory. Both the updating of working memory and the volume of information which could be held was better in fitter individuals or those put on an aerobic exercise regime.
The authors comment that despite physical fitness not affecting all areas of cognitive function in younger people, evidence is mounting that just because they are in their prime developmentally does not mean that they cannot benefit from regular exercise.
In older generations the evidence for improvement in cognitive function is overwhelming as researchers found strong support for exercise attenuating age-related decline for specific tasks.
For example, exercise has been found to positively affect mental tasks relating to activities such as driving, an activity where age is often seen as a limiting factor.
The authors conclude that engagement in exercise can provide a simple means for people to optimize their cognitive function.
They add that more research into the effects of exercise on young adults and children is required. However, they say that “the indications reported thus far — that regular exercise can benefit brains even when they are in their prime developmentally —warrant more rigorous investigation, particularly in the context of society becoming increasingly sedentary.”
While there is no such thing as a perfect panacea for health, the wonders of exercise to relieve stress, improve physical function, and now enhance mental cognition should serve as strong motivation for being engaged in physical activity.
Labels: hayley-guiney, liana-machado, psychonomic-bulletin-and-review, university-of-otago
