Study: Exercise for three months can boost brain function

Recent research indicates that regular exercise over 12 weeks, or three months, can help improve brain function and cognitive abilities. According to Eating Well’s website on Wednesday, the study, published in the journal Neuroscience ‘Brain Research’, examined the relationship between exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a key role in the formation of new neural connections in the brain. Researchers from the United Kingdom describe BDNF as acting like ‘fertiliser’ for the brain, aiding neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. Previously, scientists had known that exercise can raise BDNF levels while helping to improve memory and focus. However, this latest study seeks to understand more closely how increases in BDNF from exercise influence brain function directly. The study involved 23 individuals aged 18 to 55 who were infrequent exercisers. Participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group undertook a 12-week cycling training programme at varying intensities determined by the researchers. During the study, participants underwent blood tests, VO2max fitness testing, and a series of memory and cognitive function tests at weeks 1, 6 and 12. The results showed that participants who improved cardiovascular fitness also showed increased serum BDNF production after high-intensity exercise. The researchers noted that this finding reinforces the hypothesis that physical activity helps modulate brain function through increased production of BDNF. However, the researchers cautioned that the study was small in scale and the results should be interpreted carefully. Hormonal factors between male and female participants were not accounted for in the study. Experts say a sedentary lifestyle or excessive sitting can accelerate brain ageing and increase the risk of neurological diseases such as dementia. Therefore, they recommend people move more in daily activities, including taking breaks to move every 30 to 60 minutes. Simple activities such as walking, taking stairs, stretching, strength training, and yoga are still said to confer benefits for brain health. In addition to increasing BDNF, exercise also helps improve blood flow to the brain, ensuring an optimal supply of oxygen and nutrients. The researchers emphasise that people do not need to engage in strenuous exercise to reap brain benefits. They note that regular light activity is still better than not moving at all.