University of Tsukuba study on light running and brains

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have conducted studies indicating that low-intensity aerobic activity, such as slow running or light jogging, can enhance cognitive and emotional states.

Initial findings suggested that 10 minutes of very slow running at approximately 35 percent of VO2 max could improve mood and executive brain functions. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers observed increased activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left frontopolar cortex, which are regions responsible for emotion regulation and mental skills. Participants showed improved performance on the Stroop test following these sessions.

Subsequent details published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience expanded on these findings. In a study of 24 healthy young adults, light jogging at speeds of 3 to 6 kilometers per hour resulted in participants feeling more alert, lucid, and experiencing greater pleasure. The research noted increased activation in the left prefrontal cortex, a region associated with attention and behavioral control. Scientists hypothesized that the rhythmic movement of the head during running might contribute to these neurological benefits.