Brain boosting

That feeling of heightened sharpness you get after a good run? It’s not just an illusion. Studies have found that performance on certain types of cognitive tests increases immediately after aerobic exercise. (This instant boost is independent of the longer-term brain benefits of regular exercise.) Of course, that’s only true up to a point. In the finishing chute after a hard marathon, you’d probably f lunk the cognitive tests thanks to the heavier exertion and cumulative fatigue.

So where’s the sweet spot for maximal brain gain? That’s what researchers in Japan set out to test in a recent study. They used a computer task called the Stroop test to assess an important cognitive ability called response inhibition, after workouts of various intensities and durations ranging from 10 to 40 minutes. The good news? Even the shortest workouts offered a measurable boost. But moving from easy to moderate exertion and opting for longer workouts seemed to help the cognitive benefits last longer, with better results persisting for up to half-an-hour after the workout. Something to keep in mind (and share with your boss) next time you’re contemplating a lunchtime run.