New research shows that improving brain function could be as simple as getting up for a little workout.
A recent study, published in Scientific Reports, found that short bursts of simple, low-intensity physical exercises can increase blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, memory and attention.
"By combining the types of exercise that easily increase blood flow in the [prefrontal cortex] identified in this study, it is possible to develop an exercise program that everyone can easily engage in to improve children's executive functions. It may also be used in the future to prevent cognitive decline in adults and the elderly," Takashi Naito, study co-author and doctoral student at Waseda University, said in a statement.
Physical exercise is known to improve cognitive function, but few studies have explored the impact of short-duration exercises that can be easily performed on the spot without special equipment, such as stretching. Researchers say it's also important to focus on kids because 81% of children globally do not engage in enough physical activity, leading to high levels of sedentary behavior. This lack of physical activity raises concerns about its negative impact on children's healthy brain development and cognitive function.
For the study, researchers observed 41 healthy children at a junior high school in Tokyo, ranging in age from 10 to 15.
The children were taught seven different types of low-intensity exercises that can be performed easily in real-world settings, like a classroom or living room.
• Upward stretch -- Fold both hands above the head, extend them up and keep in place.
• Shoulder stretch -- Extend one hand and pull it to the chest with the other hand and keep in place
• Elbow circles -- Keeping the fingers of both hands on the shoulders, rotate both elbows backward.
• Trunk twist -- Fold both hands and extend them at front, twist and hold the upper body.
• Washing hands -- Repeat the action of rubbing the palms and backs of the hand with both hands.
• Thumb and pinky -- One hand extends the thumb, and the other hand extends the little finger. Do this alternately.
• Single-leg balance -- Put hands on hips, keep eyes open, lift one leg off the floor and balance.
The exercises were performed while seated, except single-leg balance, with movement patterns lasting for 10 and 20 seconds.
Researchers measured brain activity and blood oxygen concentrations before and during exercise and found a significant increase in multiple regions of the prefrontal cortex during all forms of exercise compared to the resting state. This suggests that short-duration, light-intensity exercises can be included in exercise programs to improve children's executive function, researchers said.
"Our goal is to develop a light-intensity exercise program that is accessible to everyone, aiming to enhance brain function and reduce children's sedentary behavior," Naito said.
The study noted that further research is needed to examine whether the observed increase in blood oxygen levels effectively improved executive brain function.