Does exercise help brain function?

The purpose of this blog is to inform people about how exercise can improve cognitive function. Up until recently the main focus regarding the benefits of exercise have been specific to decreasing the chances diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recently there has been an abundant amount of amazing information regarding how exercise benefits cognitive function.

How Exercise Increases Cognitive Function

As health professionals we are striving to create more awareness of the positive physiological effects exercise has on the body. One of the more recent and predominant topics studied is how exercise increases cognitive function. The potential biological mechanisms linking exercise and cognitive function are seen in neural development where the hormone IGF-1 increases. IGF-1 is an essential hormone responsible for the growth and development in humans. Overall IGF-1 prevents the loss of brain tissue and increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) release.  This release of BDNF has been shown to increase the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and assist with changing the pathways in the brain (neuroplasticity).^1,2

References:

1. Carro, E., Nunez, A., & Busiguina, S. (2000). Circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 mediates effects of exercise on the brain. The Journal of Neuroscience, 20(8), 2926–2933.

2. Davis, C. L., Tomporowski, P. D., McDowell, J. E., Austin, B. P., Miller, P. H., Yanasak, N. E., … Naglieri, J. A. (2011). Exercise improves executive function and achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: a randomized, controlled trial. Health Psychology, 30(1), 91-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0021766

Aerobic or Anaerobic: Do we know the perfect recipe for exercise?

It is becoming more and more evident through research that physical activity has beneficial effects on cognitive function.^1,2,3 However, we are still undecided as to what type of physical activity is optimal for these beneficial effects to take place. The discussion of the intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise that increases cognitive function the most, is still debatable.

Anaerobic exercise has the characteristics of high intensity such that the body cannot replenish oxygen and lactic acid buildup begins. Resistance training has been considered primarily anaerobic. This type of exercise has exhibited positive influences on well-being, quality of life, and cognition. Aerobic exercise, which is dynamic and rhythmical in nature, allows the body to replenish oxygen such as jogging. Aerobic exercise has also exhibited a positive influence on well being, quality of life, and cognition. However, it is inconclusive whether anaerobic exercise or aerobic exercise has more of an effect on cognitive function. Thus the debate continues.

So should we lift weights, go on a run, play a game of tennis, or go for a hike? I believe we can safely say that exercise of any form is beneficial and researchers are still trying to discover the ideal frequency, intensity, and duration to gain positive affects specific for increasing cognitive function. Although we don’t know what is optimal, don’t sit around and wait to find out. Get out and move and know you are fueling the brain. As Dr. Ratey, MD and Associate Clinical of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School refers to exercise as  “ miracle-gro for the brain”!² Knowing that…why wait?!?!

References:

1. Alves, C., Gualano, B., Takao, P., Avakian, P., Fernandes, R., Morine, D. & Takito, M. (2012). Effects of acute physical exercise on executive functions: A comparison between aerobic and strength exercise. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology,34(4), 539-549.

2. Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (2010). Spark!: How exercise will improve the performance of your brain. Quercus.

3. Thomas, A. G., Dennis, A., Bandettini, P. a, & Johansen-Berg, H. (2012). The effects of aerobic activity on brain structure. Frontiers in Psychology, 3(86), 1–9. http://dx.doi.org /10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00086

Exercise and Academic Performance

Does a correlation between academic success and exercise exist?  Can primary, secondary and higher education positively impact students by continuing to offer physical education classes to support a student’s overall health and well being while concurrently achieving respective academic goals? Whether we are looking at student athletes’ success or recent studies comparing students’ that participated in physical activity classes to those who did not, we can safely say that it is not an anomaly that success rates are higher. Research has investigated the value of physical activity and sport and showed the results of those participating had a higher GPA. ¹

As previously discussed, research has demonstrated a positive influence of physical education on obesity, cardiovascular health, bone density, and other chronic health issues that are predominant in our nation today.  More recently we are seeing a direct correlation in improvement with success determinants such as self-esteem and cognitive function associated with participation in physical education classes.   

Acting in the health professional role, many of us have highlighted the dangers of obesity, diabetes and many other health concerns in an attempt to defend the need for physical education in our schools today.  However, it seems that these concerns are not sufficient for politicians and administrators who argue for the cutting of physical education programs. What do our lawmakers need to hear in order to elect action?  How can we convince this group of the real costs of cutting physical education? Will it make a difference if they realize that now research is not only linking obesity to health problems but also its effects have been shown to include negative outcomes on non-health related issues.   Will these individuals listen when research^2,3 is showing that obese students have academic outcomes significantly below those of more physically fit students?

There has been a tremendous amount of emphasis placed upon the negative consequences that obesity has on children and a very small emphasis of how physical fitness can play a positive role in regards to this problem.³ I think we need to focus on how participating in physical education classes and athletics gives more of an advantage in terms of academic outcomes. It is time that we build more depth into our physical education curriculum. We start by combining health and physical education curriculum in primary school and develop the information to continue throughout a child’s educations such as we do with English, math, and science. The time has come that health professionals takes a stance and become a leader in enacting a solution.

References:

1. Fox, C.K., Barr-Anderson, D., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Wall, M. (2010). Physical activity and sports team participation: Associations with academic outcomes in middle school and high school students. The Journal of School Health, 80(1), 31- 37. Retrieved August 5, 2010 from WilsonWeb database.

2. Kupechella, C.E. (2009). Colleges and Universities Should Give More Broad-Based Attention to Health and Wellness-At All Levels. Journal of American College Health (58)2, 185-186.

3. Londan, R.A., & Castrechini, S. (2009). Exploring the Link between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement. Youth Data Archive Issue Brief: J.W.Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities Website

Exercise, Cognitive Function and Aging

Dementia and Alzheimer’s is another hot topic today. Medical professionals and researchers are on constantly discussing and investigating further what may positively influence these issues. Amongst many other interventions, the beneficial effects of physical activity are being closely examined and showing positive results. The exciting news is that studies are demonstrating the potential for physical activity to slow down the onset of dementia.^1,2,3 Once again, the question remains, however, whether aerobic or anaerobic exercise is better especially since many older adults struggle with aerobic exercise due to physical limitations. Thankfully there are more and more researchers that are investigating anaerobic exercise because of its accessibility to a wider population of older individuals.^1,2,3

References

1. Anderson-Hanley, C., Nimon, J. P., & Westen, S. C. (2010). Cognitive health benefits of strengthening exercise for community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology,32(9), 996–1001. \http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13803391003662702

2. Chang, Y., Pan, C., & Chen, F. (2012). Effect of resistance-exercise training on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 20(4), 497-518. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=22186664

3. Fabel, K., & Kempermann, G. (2008). Physical activity and the regulation of neurogenesis in the adult and aging brain. Neuromolecular Medicine, 10(2), 59–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12017-008-8031-4