BRAIN AND MUSCLES: TWIN FOR GOOD

Exercise

Exercise is movement of the body while executing a specific task. It could be a normal daily work or a regimented physical exercise aimed at improving physical and mental (brain) health.

Types of exercise include:

Light exercise - as in walking.

Moderate exercise - takes one a little out of breath as in walking up a hill.

Vigorous exercise - takes one out of breath as in running.

Physical exercise is also categorized into:

Aerobic exercise - as in jogging, dancing,etc and

Anaerobic exercise - as in weight lifting, sprint and exercise that involves muscle exertion).

Another categorization include:

Dynamic exercise - change of position as in running or walking.

Static exercise - done at a spot.

Dynamic or aerobic exercise is more preferable for brain health maintenance and IQ boost, as every part of body benefits from the improved blood flow - especially the brain.

Physical exercise has been found to significantly power the brain for intellectual exercise. It involves the movement of the body through contraction and relaxation of the muscles. 

So many benefits accompany the contraction and relaxation of the muscles.

Brain 

Most of the benefits of muscle contraction and relaxation during exercise reflect mostly on mental health and IQ.

Through the use of modern medical equipment such as Electroencephalograph (EEG), Proton Emission Thomography (PET) machine and functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery (fMRI) scanner, studying the brain, especially in its active mode, has become easier. This has made the study of the brain in regards to exercise almost like a stroll in the park.

Several studies have beamed some rays of light on the anatomical, physiological and psychological effects of exercise on the brain.

Anatomical effects

A certain recent study correlated exercise with increase in the size of the hippocampus which is the brain region responsible for learning and memory. This enlargement is related to the increased volume of grey matter in the hippocampus.

Another study correlated the shrinkage of the amygdala which is the part of the responsible for processing of fear, stress and anxiety with exercise.

Physiological effects

Increased levels of endocannabinoids (cannabis receptors) have been recently linked to exercise. This partly explains the elevation of mood associated with exercise.

 A litany of hormones have also been found released in connection with exercise.

Vasdilatation of cerebral blood vessels occurs during exercise allowing adequate flow of blood loaded with oxygen, glucose and other nutrients into brain through the cerebral arteries and outflow of waste-filled blood which would, otherwise, harm the brain, through the cerebral veins.

Cerebral angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in the cerebrum) has been linked to exercise.

New findings also reveal that more active people have more acetylcholine receptors than less active people at neuronal synapses. As already x-rayed in earlier posts on this blog, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter for learning and memory.

New neurons are generated in connection with exercise (neurogenesis). This results in new synapses and increased neuroplasticity for spring-loading the brain with new information resulting in improved skills.

Psychbiological effects

Moderate exercise was found in a recent study to improve abstract thinking, learning and memory.

Exercise has been exploited from antiquity in mood elevation.

These good effects of exercise on the brain, ultimately enhance mental health and IQ.

Festus C. Anaba, B Med.