There’s no such thing as a human brain that can’t benefit from exercise.
A large study shows that no matter what age, even in people with clinical diagnoses, any form of exercise will improve their brain function.
This groundbreaking study, the most extensive of its kind, found that consistent physical activity improves cognition, memory and executive function in both typical people and those with clinical conditions such as ADHD, stroke, depression and dementia.
Results of the Study: All Brains Benefit from Exercise
University of South Australia researchers analyzed data from 133 systematic reviews, including 2,724 randomized controlled trials with 258,279 participants.
Their findings revealed that low to moderate intensity exercise delivered the best results for improving brain function and memory.
Kids and adolescents showed the most notable improvements in memory, while people with ADHD saw the greatest benefits in executive function.
Types of Exercise
The study identified certain types of exercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi and active video games (exergames) as the most effective for cognitive improvement.
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Dr. Ben Singh, lead researcher, explains in the paper that exercise has a major impact on brain function.
This includes low intensity exercise. Light intensity can be found in walking, pedaling, beginner yoga, low impact fitness classes and light resistance training.
A Better Brain
One of the key findings was that cognitive benefits could be seen quickly, often within one to three months.
The paper explains that even small bursts of activity can lead to noticeable improvements.
For kids and teens, exercise helped improve their memory.
For people with ADHD, it enhanced focus, reduced impulsivity and boosted executive function.
In fact, it’s been well-known for decades that karate training helps with several aspects of ADHD.
This study provides strong evidence that exercise or consistent physical activity should be incorporated into healthcare and educational systems to improve cognitive health in people of all ages and for those even with ADHD.
In fact, we can certainly surmise that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be added to the list of demographics for whose brain health can be enhanced with exercise.
In particular, exercise can help autistic people with self-regulation and confidence.
Staying consistent with exercise is based on sticking to a routine, and many autistic kids and adults thrive on routine and predictability.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness, where she was also a group fitness instructor, she trained clients of all ages and abilities for fat loss and maintaining it, muscle and strength building, fitness, and improved cardiovascular and overall health.
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