Weekend Workouts May Be Just as Effective for Brain Health as Daily Exercise
People who only exercise on weekends may be doing just as much for their brain health as those who work out more frequently, new research suggests.
This exciting finding, published online Tuesday in the Journal of Sport and Science, focused on "weekend warriors," individuals who engage in one or two exercise sessions a week.
A team of academics from Latin America and Europe aimed to determine whether the frequency of exercise affected the risk of developing mild dementia. Their results were surprising: the weekend pattern of keeping fit was potentially as effective in staving off the condition as more frequent exercise, and it might even be more achievable for those with busy schedules.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from the Mexico City Prospective Study, a longitudinal study following the health of thousands of people in Mexico City over many years.
In total, over 10,000 participants, with an average age of 51, were included in the study. The initial survey asked participants about their exercise habits, including frequency and duration. Based on their answers, the researchers divided them into four groups: non-exercisers, weekend warriors, regularly active individuals (who exercised at least three times a week), and a combined group of regularly active people and weekend warriors.
Four years later, the researchers assessed the participants’ cognitive function using the Mini Mental State Examination, a widely used tool for screening cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.
The results were striking: weekend exercisers were 13% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who didn’t exercise at all. This reduction was similar to those who exercised regularly and the combined group, with both demonstrating a 12% decrease in risk. These findings held true for both men and women.
The team concluded that 13% of cases of mild dementia could be prevented if all middle-aged individuals exercised at least once or twice a week.
Lead researcher, Dr. O’Donovan, emphasized the significance of these findings for individuals with time constraints. "Many people express a desire to exercise more but face barriers due to busy schedules," he said. "The weekend warrior pattern offers a viable and effective alternative."
The study aligns with recent research suggesting that weekend workouts can be as effective as more regular exercise for reducing the risk of over 200 diseases.
Experts such as Chris Russell, senior lecturer at the Association for Dementia Studies at the UK’s University of Worcester, welcomed these findings. "There’s growing evidence that physical activity can help prevent dementia," he said, highlighting the benefits of diverse activities, from dance and walking to team sports. He also stressed the importance of social interaction often associated with exercise, which can help protect against cognitive decline.
Globally, over 55 million people live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. While more research is needed, these findings offer a promising message: a healthy lifestyle that includes weekend exercise could play a significant role in combating this devastating disease.
He 14% reduction observed in those who exercised regularly throughout the week. These findings indicate that even infrequent exercise can yield significant benefits for brain health, particularly in lowering the risk of cognitive decline.
The study sheds light on the importance of promoting physical activity, especially for individuals who may find it difficult to fit daily workouts into their busy lives. The concept of being a ”weekend warrior” highlights that any form of regular exercise, even if limited to just a couple of sessions a week, can be advantageous for maintaining cognitive function.
The researchers also noted that while more frequent exercise is beneficial, the weekend warrior approach may serve as a more sustainable option for many people. Encouraging those who currently don’t engage in any exercise to start with weekends could lead to increased participation in physical activities, ultimately benefiting both mental and physical health.
this research emphasizes that consistency in any form of exercise—whether it’s daily workouts or weekend sessions—plays a crucial role in enhancing brain health. For those with demanding schedules, this study offers a promising perspective on how they can effectively incorporate physical activity into their lives without feeling overwhelmed.