University of Tsukuba study finds benefits in low-intensity running

A study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience, suggests that low-intensity running can provide immediate cognitive and emotional benefits.

The research involved 24 healthy young adults who participated in two sessions: one involving 10 minutes of sitting and another involving 10 minutes of very slow treadmill running at speeds of 3 to 6 kilometers per hour. This intensity represented approximately 35% of maximum oxygen uptake.

Results indicated that after just 10 minutes of light running, participants reported improved mood, increased alertness, and more positive emotions compared to the sedentary period. Additionally, the study observed improved performance in attention and cognitive control tasks, alongside changes in blood oxygenation in brain regions associated with behavioral control.