Regular Mild Exercise Enhances Cognitive Function in Older Adults, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba has found that regular mild exercise can significantly enhance cognitive function in older adults. The research specifically focused on the executive function of older adults, particularly those aged between 68 and 78, and discovered that engaging in low-intensity cycling three times a week for three months led to significant improvements.
The study linked these cognitive enhancements to increased efficiency in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for executive functions. This finding has important implications for the design of exercise programs tailored to older individuals with low fitness levels or limited motivation to exercise.
Previous research has primarily focused on the effects of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise programs lasting from six months to a year on executive function. However, motivating individuals to engage in and adhere to such rigorous exercise routines can be challenging.
This new study suggests that even three months of mild exercise, such as walking or yoga, can strengthen the brain’s functional networks and enable the prefrontal cortex to be utilized more efficiently during cognitive tasks. The research builds on previous investigations that showed brief sessions of mild exercise can temporarily enhance cognitive performance.
For the study, healthy middle-aged and older adults aged 55-78 were randomly divided into two groups: one group performed low-intensity bicycle exercise three times a week for three months, while the other group continued with their normal daily routines as a control group. The participants’ executive function was evaluated using a Stroop test, and prefrontal cortex activity was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
The results, published in the journal GeroScience, revealed that the exercise group showed significant improvement in executive function compared to the control group. Notably, older adults aged 68-78 experienced the greatest benefits from the mild exercise regimen.
The underlying mechanism behind this cognitive improvement involved an increase in the efficient activation of the prefrontal cortex. In other words, executive function was high while brain activation was relatively low.
These findings highlight the positive impact of stress-free mild exercise over a three-month period in strengthening the prefrontal cortex and enhancing cognitive function among older adults. They are expected to contribute to the development of accessible and effective exercise programs for older individuals with low physical fitness levels and limited motivation to exercise.
Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of regular exercise in maintaining and promoting cognitive function in older adults. By incorporating even mild exercise into their routines, older individuals can experience significant improvements in their executive function and overall brain health.
Source: University of Tsukuba
Author: Kyeongho Byun
Image credit: Neuroscience News
Original Research: “Mild exercise improves executive function with increasing neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex of older adults” by Kyeongho Byun et al. in GeroScience.