To reap the brain benefits of physical activity, just get moving!

Everyone knows that exercise makes you feel more mentally alert at any age.
The study compared the effects of different training methods on the cognitive functions of people aged 62 to 84 years. Two groups were assigned a high-intensity aerobic and strength-training program, whereas the third group performed tasks that targeted gross motor activities (coordination, balance, ball games, locomotive tasks, and flexibility).
"For a long time, it was believed that only aerobic exercise could improve executive functions. More recently, science has shown that strength-training also leads to positive results...
I would like seniors to remember that they have the power to improve their physical and cognitive health at any age and that they have many avenues to reach this goal," concluded Dr. Nicolas Berryman, PhD.


This study was funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Contact: William Raillant-Clark


http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-10/uom-trt102914.php