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Research on exercise and cognitive function

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2026-10-08 10:36 UTC → 2026-10-13 04:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. 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 suggest the rhythmic movement of the head during running may mechanically stimulate the brain, and that running at speeds of 3 to 6 km/h increases oxygenated hemoglobin levels. ~~Expanding on the efficacy of brief interventions, a review of 25 clinical trials~~ A study involving ~~1,115 participants aged 8 to 78 suggests~~ 24 healthy young adults confirmed that ~~‘exercise snacks’—short bursts of activity lasting less than~~ 10 ~~minutes—can provide immediate improvements~~ minutes of treadmill running at approximately 35% of maximum oxygen uptake resulted in ~~cognitive function. These breaks, which include walking, stretching, yoga, or climbing stairs~~ improved mood, increased alertness, and more positive emotions compared to ~~interrupt prolonged sitting,~~ sitting. These sessions also showed ~~measurable benefits~~ improved performance in ~~working memory, sustained attention, cognitive flexibility,~~ attention and ~~impulse~~ cognitive control tasks alongside changes in blood oxygenation in brain regions associated with behavioral control. ~~Recent insights reinforce that even minimal activity provides significant benefits. Dr.~~

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