As we age, our brains inevitably begin to decline in their functioning. However, research has consistently demonstrated that exercise can improve brain health and slow cognitive decline. Recent studies have revealed fascinating insights into the mechanisms behind these benefits, such as the release of growth factors, improved blood flow to the brain, and increased production of brain cells. In this article, we will explore how exercise affects the brain and how it can be used to support cognitive function in various populations. Whether you’re young or old, a couch potato or a fitness enthusiast, this information could impact your brain health for years to come.
Physical exercise has long been known to have significant physical and mental health benefits. However, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has suggested that physical exercise has even more far-reaching effects than previously thought. In particular, their work showed that exercise can promote neuronal development in the brain by releasing chemical signals from the exercising muscles.
Previous research has suggested that the hippocampus, an area of the brain that plays a role in learning and memory, is often adversely affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the researchers were particularly interested in understanding how exercise could benefit this particular area of the brain, as it is essential to cognitive health.
To isolate the chemicals released by contracting muscles and test them on hippocampal neurons, the researchers collected small muscle cell samples from mice and grew them in cell culture dishes in the lab. When the muscle cells matured, they began to contract on their own, releasing their chemical signals into the cell culture. The research team then added the culture, which now contained the chemical signals from the mature muscle cells, to another culture containing hippocampal neurons and other support cells.
The results of this study were striking. Exposure to the chemical signals released by the contracting muscle cells caused hippocampal neurons to generate larger and more frequent electrical signals, which is a sign of robust growth and better health. Within a few days, the neurons started firing these electrical signals more synchronously, suggesting that the neurons were forming a more mature network together and mimicking the organization of neurons in the brain.
However, the researchers still had questions about how these chemical signals led to the growth and development of hippocampal neurons. To uncover more of the pathway linking exercise to better brain health, they next focused on the role of astrocytes in mediating this relationship. Astrocytes are the first responders in the brain before the compounds from muscles reach the neurons, playing a role in helping neurons respond to these signals. The researchers found that removing astrocytes from the cell cultures caused the neurons to fire even more electrical signals, suggesting that without the astrocytes, the neurons continued to grow, perhaps to a point where they might become unmanageable.
Ultimately, this study is just the first step in understanding how exercise can promote brain health. The researchers hope that understanding the chemical pathway between muscle contraction and the growth and regulation of hippocampal neurons will contribute to the development of more effective exercise regimens for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to Lee, the team also included Beckman faculty members Justin Rhodes, a professor of psychology; and Taher Saif, a professor of mechanical science and engineering. The study results were published in the journal Neuroscience, indicating that exercise could play a critical role in improving brain health.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of exercise on brain health, it’s time to incorporate it into your daily routine! Remember, even moderate-intensity activities can have a positive impact on cognitive function and overall brain health. From going for a jog to taking a yoga class, find what works for you and stick with it. Your brain will thank you for it!