Optimizing Brain Function
It has become clear over the last few years that one of the many benefits of regular physical exercise is a better functioning brain. In a recent review paper Erickson and Kramer (2009) noted the following:
- People who exercise regularly have larger volumes of grey matter in important regions of the brain, including the prefrontal, parietal and temporal lobes. They also have a greater volume of white matter in the corpus callosum. (Grey matter contains the neurons that process information in the brain. White matter helps disperse the information rapidly to other regions of the brain.)
- Participants who follow an aerobic exercise plan over a 6 month period perform better on cognitive tasks such as task switching and selective attention tasks.
The authors conclude that regular exercise can act as a preventative measure against age-related cognitive decline and also as a treatment to reverse declines already present.
We know from clinical trials that Posit Science’s cognitive training programs improve brain functioning in many important ways. A brain that is physiologically better functioning is likely to be more receptive to cognitive training. Therefore combining physical and cognitive training should server to optimize brain function. A number of researchers are currently running clinical trials to examine this issue. The first results should be available later this year.
Reference
Erickson, K. I. & Kramer, A. F. Aerobic exercise effects on cognitive and neural plasticity in older adults. Br J Sports Med 43, 22-24 (2009).
Possibly Related posts:
Posted: Brain exercise, Exercise, Physical exercise, Posit Science software, Research studies
Posit Science's corporate blog is the place where our employees share their thoughts about Posit Science and its products, brain fitness, breakthroughs in neuroscience, and any other topic they find interesting and relevant. 
March 10th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I am off to the gym right now. Will be slow going at first, but I am build for endurance rather than speed anyway. Mike
March 10th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Good for you, Mike!
March 11th, 2010 at 11:25 am
This was an interesting bit of info, and coming from a guy who tries to work out 6 times per week, I find it to be true. As someone who is approaching 50, I’ve noticed the positive effects of being active. Probably the most positive factor is my energy level and ability to think clearly for longer periods of time.
Although I’ve got no way to prove it, I’m finding I remember more information and stay on task better during the day.
Glad to see my thoughts validated on the Posit Science blog!
March 17th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
[...] Optimizing Brain Function | The Posit Science Blog [...]
April 20th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
There are so many things connected to aerobics, it had become this big industry. The funny thing I heard is a walk for 30 minutes a day is great and does really good for the body.