A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan has found that light exercise, such as low-intensity cycling or yoga, can significantly improve the cognitive performance of seniors. The findings could help in the development of new training programs for people with low fitness levels and limited motivation to exercise. While studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise with moderate to high intensity can help seniors maintain their cognitive abilities, motivating them to participate in such demanding activities can be a challenge. The researchers wanted to investigate whether light exercises could also help the brain maintain its performance.
The study involved healthy adults aged 55 to 78 who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group continued their normal daily routine, while the other group cycled three times a week with low intensity. The researchers evaluated the participants’ executive functions using a Stroop test and examined the activity of the prefrontal cortex during the task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the training group experienced significant improvements in their executive functions, with the greatest benefits seen in seniors aged 68 to 78. The underlying mechanism behind this improvement was a more efficient activation of the prefrontal cortex.
The study suggests that even light exercise over a short period can strengthen the functional networks of the brain and improve cognitive performance in older adults. The authors believe that these findings could help in the development of new training programs that primarily target older people with low fitness levels and limited motivation to exercise. This research highlights the importance of exercise in maintaining cognitive abilities and provides hope for seniors who may find it challenging to engage in more demanding physical activities.
