Fitness Levels and Brain Power

Researchers have conducted various studies and have clearly established the definite link between cardio-respiratory fitness and brain activation and executive functions. According to them, it is the executive function that helps in problem solving and reasoning. 

Findings of this explicit research that was led by Chelsea Wong of the University of Illinois reveal how cardio-respiratory fitness impacts the behavioral performance and functioning of the brain in aged people. The team led by Chelsea Wong conducted this research on 128 adults aged between 59 and 80. They examined the data they got from brain imaging and by studying the fitness levels of these people.

They found that when these individuals performed two tasks at a time, it led to increased activation of certain parts of their brain than when they did a single task.

Especially, anteior cingulate cortex, a region in the brain and the motor area supplementary to it get activated when cardio-respiratory fitness if people improves. This ultimately leads to better executive function. Wong says that activation of this region of the brain helps in higher-level functions like conflict monitoring and multitasking.

In short, by increasing our physical activities, we can improve our cognitive as well as brain functions. Simple lifestyle changes are enough to improve our cardio-respiratory fitness. Though this is true for people of all ages, it is all the more important for aging people. Aging people should therefore lead an active lifestyle because a sedentary lifestyle may negatively impact their brain health.

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