According to a Japanese study, running at moderate intensity, even for a short period of time also improves intellectual performance with quick and precise responses.
That sport is a cure-all for cardiovascular and metabolic health by now known. Exercising also improvesmood and psychophysical well-being: after a game of tennis in the morning or a swim before dinner the release of endorphins gives pleasure, gratification and happiness enough to help withstand stress better.
The most popular excuse to indulge in laziness is often the same: there is no time.
The good news for (perhaps) overcoming indolence comes from a study recently published in Scientific Reports in which it is highlighted as also alone ten minutes of moderate intensity running are enough for improve mood and cognitive functions.
Blood flow
According to experts from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, a few minutes of running allow you to increase blood flow to areas of the prefrontal cortex bilateral, the part of the brain that plays an important role in controlling mood and executive functions, so as to improve intellectual performance as a result.
Running is an activity within everyone’s reach, which does not require special equipment or investments and therefore also suitable for students who, for study reasons, have to combine the little time available with a generally limited portfolio.
To carry out the propulsive movement of running, coordination and balance functions are required that determine neuronal activation of the prefrontal cortex and it is expected that other functions that refer to this brain region can benefit from the increase in brain resources, explains the biochemist. Hideaki Soya, first signatory of the study. We already know, from other researches – adds the scientist – that physical activity in general improves physical and mental health but relatively few analyzes have been made on the concrete benefits of running compared to other sports, such as cycling. The choice to investigate this theme, or how running positively affects our well-being, stems from the importance that this has had in the evolution of the species, compared to other sports that have had a minor impact.
He tests
The scientists wanted to specifically evaluate the short-term effects of moderate-intensity running for a limited period of time. ten minutes, therefore within everyone’s reach. To do this, 26 people were involved and the researchers found that after the short run, the volunteers fared better in a test that measures abilit cognitive, called Stroop Color-Word, which consists in reporting as quickly as possible with which color certain words appearing on the screen are written. To complicate the task a series of interferences such as the appearance on the monitor of a green writing of the word red so as to confuse the volunteers who had to report the color of the word and not the word itself. After the 10-minute run, the volunteers’ responses were more precise and rapid and the mood was also improved based on the participants’ responses to a questionnaire.
Just the will
The research findings are further proof that you don’t necessarily have to do a lot of physical activity to feel the benefits. In fact, it was previously shown that short but intense physical activities increase concentration up to an hour after exercise (students in excellent physical shape have shown greater concentration than less trained peers).
So no excuses: a pair of sneakers and a little good will are all it takes to feel better.
February 25, 2022 (change February 25, 2022 | 10:59)
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