New Delhi: According to a study, low-impact exercises like climbing a few flights of stairs or dancing or brisk walking can boost memory function for 24 hours. Exercise has an impact on the brain that stimulates neurotransmitters to boost short-term cognitive skills. However, now it has been found that the benefits can last for longer than previously known. For this research, 76 participants aged 50 to 83 wore activity trackers for 8 days and took regular brain tests. It was found that people who engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise had better memory test scores the next day.
Lead author of the study, from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said that the study’s findings suggest that short-term memory benefits of exercise are likely to last longer than previously known. This is likely to take effect within the next few hours of the workout. According to experts, getting more and deeper sleep can further contribute to improvement in memory function.
How do workouts improve mental health?
Moderate to vigorous exercise refers to anything that can keep the heart rate up. This can include dancing, brisk walking and even walking up a flight of stairs. This need not be structured or done in a particular order. Furthermore, researchers said that the study was performed on a small sample of participants, and for more concrete results, a bigger group of people would be required.
In this case, people who spent less time sitting in the same place or got six hours or more sleep were more likely to score better. Co-author of the study, also said that among older adults, it is of utmost importance to maintain cognitive function for well-being and better quality of life. Researchers said that it is helpful to identify factors that can influence cognitive health daily.
The study also offers evidence that the immediate cognitive benefits of workout can last longer than expected. The study also suggested that good quality sleep is a must for mental health and for reducing long-term risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The study’s findings were published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Lead author of the study, from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said that the study’s findings suggest that short-term memory benefits of exercise are likely to last longer than previously known. This is likely to take effect within the next few hours of the workout. Mental Health Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
