Study Finds the Connection Between Exercise and Memory
If you maintain physical fitness and even engage in daily physical activity, you know the wonderful feeling that fills you after a good workout – your mind is clearer, thoughts flow faster, and you feel alert and more focused. Until now, science assumed that this positive effect on the brain lasted only a few hours, but a new study conducted at University College London presents a different and pleasantly surprising picture: the positive effect of physical activity on our cognitive abilities may last up to 24 hours after completing the activity!
How was the study conducted?
The research team, led by Dr. Michaela Bloomberg from the Institute of
Epidemiology and Health at University College London, monitored 76
participants aged 50 to 83. The participants wore smart bracelets that
tracked their activity for 8 consecutive days, and each day they
underwent comprehensive cognitive tests. The study was unique in that it
was conducted under real-life conditions, unlike previous studies
carried out in controlled laboratory settings. This allowed researchers
to see how physical activity impacts brain function in our daily lives.
Surprising results: Improved memory the
following day
The findings were particularly impressive. Participants who engaged in
more moderate to vigorous physical activity than usual on a given day
performed better on memory tests not only that day but also the
following day. The study examined two types of memory: working memory,
responsible for processing information in real-time, and episodic
memory, related to the ability to recall events and information from the
past. In both cases, the participants’ performance significantly
improved.
No need for a gym workout
And here’s some even better news: you don’t need to be a professional
athlete or spend hours at the gym to enjoy these benefits. Dr. Bloomberg
emphasizes that moderate or vigorous activity can be any activity that
raises your heart rate. This could be dancing in your living room, brisk
walking in your neighborhood, or even taking the stairs instead of the
elevator. The key is to increase your heart rate and maintain the
activity for a certain amount of time.
Researchers warn against prolonged sitting
Another interesting finding from the study relates to the negative
effects of prolonged sitting. Participants who spent more time sitting
than usual showed a decline in their memory and working capacity the
following day. This is a particularly alarming finding in the modern
era, where many of us spend long hours sitting at a computer or using a
mobile phone. Dr. Bloomberg emphasizes the importance of breaking the
cycle of prolonged sitting with short movement breaks throughout the
day.
The long-term implications of the study
Professor Andrew Steptoe, one of the senior researchers in the study,
highlights the broader importance of the findings: “For older adults,
maintaining cognitive function is much more than just a matter of
convenience. It is key to a good quality of life, a sense of well-being,
and independence.” While it is still early to determine whether these
short-term effects contribute to long-term cognitive health, there is
already much evidence suggesting that physical activity may slow
cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
The conclusion: A simple recipe for
improving memory and thinking
So what is the practical conclusion of this fascinating study? The
answer is simple and surprising: getting our bodies moving daily impacts
the brain much more than we thought. There’s no need for a complicated
training program or an expensive gym membership; all you need to do is
incorporate more movement into your daily life – get up from your chair
every hour, walk to the store instead of driving, or even dance a little
while tidying up the house.
When you combine this physical activity with good sleep hygiene (at
least six hours a night), you provide your brain with the best
conditions to perform at its best. Remember – it’s never too late to
start, as the study showed that even people aged 50-83 enjoyed the
positive effects of physical activity on the brain. So the next time
you’re debating whether to take the elevator or the stairs, or whether
to go for a short walk in the evening – think of your brain. It will
thank you for it today, tomorrow, and possibly far beyond.