# Research on exercise and cognitive function > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-exercise-and-cognitive-function > Updated: 2026-09-08T16:27:57.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 3. Research has increasingly identified a connection between physical activity and enhanced cognitive performance. A meta-analysis from the University of Taipei involving over 18,000 participants concluded that exercise improves attention and concentration, noting that these benefits occur immediately following activity regardless of sport type, intensity, or participant age. Complementary research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests specific training types target different functions, such as aerobic exercise for memory and strength training for global cognition. Building on these findings, a study from the University of Tsukuba published in Imaging Neuroscience indicates that ‘ultra-slow’ running—at a pace slightly faster than walking—can also provide immediate benefits to brain activity and mood. This research suggests that the specific biomechanical movements of running may produce unique neurological effects and emphasizes that high intensity is not required to trigger cognitive improvements. Further details from the University of Tsukuba study, led by Professor Hideaki Soya, specify that as little as 10 minutes of very slow running can provide immediate benefits. By monitoring 24 healthy volunteers with brain-monitoring equipment, researchers noted that the specific movement patterns of running provide advantages that other activities, such as walking, do not replicate. Subsequent analysis using functional near-infrared spectroscopy revealed that these 10-minute sessions can enhance executive functions, including cognitive control and processing speed, by increasing activity in the brain’s prefrontal regions. Researchers noted that the ‘gentle vertical oscillation of the head’ during running was specifically linked to improved mood. Additionally, findings suggest that habitual movement patterns influence these outcomes; individuals with higher daily activity levels showed greater working memory improvements after cycling, while sedentary behavior was linked to weaker prefrontal cortex connectivity following exercise. ## Claims - Professor Hideaki Soya stated that running does not need to be intense to benefit the brain. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The research was published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Ten minutes of very slow running can produce immediate positive effects on brain activity and mood. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The study involved 11 healthy men and 13 healthy women. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The research was conducted at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The study highlighted the biomechanical effects of running on the brain that other activities cannot replicate. (corroborated by 13 sources) - A 10-minute session of very slow running can improve mood and executive function. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Very slow running leads to shorter Stroop interference time, indicating better cognitive control. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Slow running increases activity in prefrontal regions associated with mood regulation and executive function. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The vertical oscillation of the head during running is linked to improved mood. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Individuals with higher daily physical activity levels experience greater working memory improvements following acute exercise. (single source) - Increased sedentary behavior is associated with weaker connectivity in the prefrontal cortex following exercise. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Slow running improves brain function and mood in short sessions Studies show that just 10 minutes of very slow running can boost mood and improve executive brain functions, with daily activity levels influencing the magnitude of these cognitive benefits. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slow-running-improves-brain-function-and-mood-in-short-sessions ### 2026-08-31: Slow running improves brain function, study finds Research from the University of Tsukuba shows that 10 minutes of ultra-slow running can immediately improve brain function and mood. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-tsukuba-study-finds-slow-running-benefits-brain-health ### 2026-08-23: University of Taipei study links physical exercise to improved cognitive function A large-scale meta-analysis from the University of Taipei shows that even ten minutes of exercise can significantly boost concentration and attention, regardless of sport type or intensity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-taipei-study-links-physical-exercise-to-improved-cognitive-function --- Cite as: Research on exercise and cognitive function. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-exercise-and-cognitive-function