A recent study shows how a short workout outside or on a treadmill increases cognitive performance. According to the authors, 10 minutes is enough to promote brain activity as well as the brain's executive functions. The results suggest that short bouts of running significantly improve a range of processes such as attention, memory, planning, organization and impulse control. The researchers connect thesetype of trainingalso with regulated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and an improved mood.
Short running distances for better cognitive performance
In the present research, brain imaging showed that moderate running or jogging increased local blood flow to different parts of the prefrontal cortex after the session. The prefrontal cortex plays an important role in controlling mood and executive functions. Typically, the brain must process large amounts of sensory information to coordinate running motion while keeping the body balanced. In addition, the mechanical stress of running increases blood flow, which can also benefit brain activity. The scientists also found that head movement can help regulate the serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex. This, in turn, could play a role in improving mood and cognitive control. The research team made the measurements using near-infrared spectroscopy. When a specific area of the brain is activated, the amount of blood in that area changes rapidly, and this non-invasive method measures such changes.
The results showed that the running session led to a significant increase in mood compared to the control session. Specifically, the mood scale showed increases in happiness and excitement. Accordingly, physical exercise was able to increase executive function by predominantly activating the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, it is also important to note that study participants self-reported the mood scale. Therefore, it was prone to distortion. The authorsthis studytherefore recommend demonstrating a minimally effective exercise that could promote both mental and physical health.
