Exercise is known for its many benefits such as weight loss and muscle building, but new research has found that physical activity can also help improve memory.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology studied how the chemical signals released by exercising muscles promote neuronal development in the brain. Academics were keen to examine one "crucial" area of the organ that focuses on cognitive function like memory, focus and attention to detail.
Findings, published in journal Neuroscience, show that certain chemicals released by contracting muscles are linked to increased messages sent within the brain, therefore boosting growth and health.
Academics say the results pave the way for exercise-based treatments for neuro disorders like Alzheimer's disease. With no cure, those with the condition experience cognitive decline like memory loss - and eventual deterioration.
But how is exercise - a physical task - linked to the vital organ? When working out, muscles contract and release certain compounds to the bloodstream. For instance, when biceps contract to lift a heavy weight these released compounds travel all over the body - even to the brain.
Scientists examined how they benefited a part of the brain known as the hippocampus.
"The hippocampus is a crucial area for learning and memory, and therefore cognitive health," said Ki Yun Lee, a Ph.D. student in mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the study's lead author.
Researchers isolated the released chemicals from contracting muscles and tested them on hippocampal neurons. By examining muscle samples from lab mice they noticed the cells began releasing the compounds on their own when fully matured.
They then added the isolated chemicals to the muscle cells and tracked their growth and impact on the neurons and the final results were surprising. They found that exposure to the chemical signals caused caused hippocampal neurons to generate larger and more frequent electrical signals - proof of strong growth and health.
"Ultimately, our research may contribute to the development of more effective exercise regimens for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease," Lee said.
Strength training is one of the best muscle building exercises that focuses solely on muscle contraction, rather than workouts like running that are cardio based. Weight lifting is usually the first port of call but exercise amateurs may find it intimidating.
However, flexing your muscles doesn't just mean lifting big barbells at your gym. Lower impact exercises like Pilates and yoga are also known for their sculpting benefits.
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