Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for physical health, but recent research has also highlighted the positive effects it can have on brain health. A new study found that exercise can stimulate brain-boosting molecules when muscles are active. By innervating muscle-tissue models, researchers discovered that the same nerves that signal muscles to move can also send neurotrophic factors — a type of biomolecule — into the brain. This suggests that exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health by triggering molecules involved in cognitive function to be released by muscles.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of maintaining musculoskeletal health for neurological health. Dr. Hyunjoon Kong, the lead author of the study, explained that regular muscle contractions not only secrete beneficial factors for the brain but also help sustain the innervation necessary for nerves to signal muscles and release neurotrophic factors into the brain. This signaling is essential for regulating brain function and counteracting neurological degeneration.
While the study did not observe people exercising directly, it focused on stimulating muscles with glutamate to understand how nerve function responds. The researchers found that innervated muscle tissue sent more signals to the brain than non-innervated tissue, indicating the importance of maintaining neuronal innervation for producing beneficial factors for the brain. However, future studies with human participants are needed to fully comprehend the effects of exercise on brain health and to understand the various factors that can influence cognitive function.
Ryan Glatt, a senior brain health coach, highlighted that the effects of exercise on cognitive function can vary based on the type, intensity, and frequency of exercise, as well as individual age, baseline cognitive function, and health status. Aerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, and cycling, have well-documented positive impacts on brain function, while activities that combine physical and cognitive demands, like dance or team sports, may offer additional benefits due to their requirements for coordination and executive functions. Maintaining functional innervated muscles can help prevent cognitive decline associated with aging and maintain important factors that enhance brain function.
Exercise is increasingly recognized as a supportive intervention for individuals with compromised cognitive functions, including those affected by age-related declines or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity can enhance blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors that may help maintain or improve cognitive function. While most studies suggest that exercise can contribute to a slower rate of decline and better overall brain health, more research is needed to determine its ability to reverse existing cognitive impairment. Overall, regular exercise has multiple benefits for both physical and brain health, making it an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
