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Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function

Introduction

The physical and psychological benefits of exercise are well-known. Nevertheless, there has been an increasing amount of attention on the effects of physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, on the cognition aspect. Researchers have investigated the association between physical activity and cognitive function, which is one of the most interesting areas of this issue. In fact, a wide range of studies have indicated that regular exercise can provide an obvious improvement in several cognition processes, such as thinking, planning, and memory function. In addition, researchers suggest that the positive effects of physical activity on cognitive functions can last for a very long time, even decades.

This article will discuss the benefits of physical exercise on cognitive function and how exercise can improve cognitive function as well as a brief reference of this issue regarding children.

What are the effects of physical activity on cognitive function?

As mentioned above, researchers demonstrated that regular physical activity has positive implications on a number of cognition processes. The majority of the findings of the studies reveal that memory functions may be the cognitive function most affected by exercise. According to researchers at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas (2013) engaging in physical exercise for healthy adults 50 years of age and older not only will improve their physical fitness, but it can improve their memory and brain health as well. In another study, researchers found that high scores on tasks, such as scheduling, coordination, memory and planning, were achieved by the fittest individuals

In addition, several studies showed that regular physical exercise in the medlife can prevent cognitive decline associated with aging as well as decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimers disease, in older adults In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, individuals who exercised at least twice per week in their medlife had a significant reduction in the risk of Alzheimers disease and dementia compared with those who were less active Moreover, researchers found in a recent study of 1,740 adults 65 years of age and older that participants who walked at least 3 days a week has a 35% lower chance of developing dementia than participants who walked less than 3 days a week

How can exercise improve cognitive function?

Scientists have clarified how the brain is influenced by physical activity. They indicate that "exercise directly improves the flow of blood in the brain and enhances the functionality of various neurotransmitters involved in cognitive processes" (Wlassoff, 2015). In addition, (FNDC5), which is a muscle protein, is triggered by exercise, and "this protein is released into the bloodstream as a molecule called irisin. The presence of this molecule stimulates the genes responsible for memory and learning" Sientists have revealed that the special cells in the brain's neurons involved in major functions, such as moving, thinking and memory, increase after a period of time of regular physical activity Several studies indicate that there is a substantial reduction in brain tissue density as a result of aging, especially in regions of the brain involved in memory and thinking; however, in a study in which Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan) was used to measure the amount of brain tissue in adult participants aged 55 years and older, the results showed a significant decline in the losses in those reigons as a function of fitness. Therefore, the fittest participants had the most brain tissue

What about children?

Studies on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function in children are very limited and have not been given sufficient attention; however, the benefits of exercise throughout the developmental phases are obvious.

In one study, children were divided into two groups. The first group engaged in a 30-minute routine of aerobic exercise, while the other group did not engage in any physical activity. The results showed that the children who participated in the aerobic exercise showed more improvement in reaction and choice response tasks after the aerobic exercise .The results from another study conducted by Catherine Davis and her colleagues (2007) ‏ evidence for a direct link between regular exercise and the improvement in children's executive function.

Conclusion

There has been increasing attention on the effects of physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, on cognitive function. A wide range of studies have indicated that regular exercise can provide an obvious improvement in several cognition processes, especially memory. In addition, it can be an essential factor in the prevention of cognitive decline associated with aging as well as decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Sientists have revealed that the special cells in the brain's neurons involved in major functions, such as memory, are increased after a period of time of regular physical activity. Researchers encourage further investigation of the effects of physical activity on children’s cognitive function.

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