Brisk walk, cycle your way to better memory
Moderate intensity exercise such as brisk walking, water aerobics or cycling can have the most beneficial effect on memory performance, say researchers.
These findings, published in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, suggest that it is not necessary for people to carry out highly strenuous exercise to achieve observable improvements in long-term memory, as moderate exercise can have a more positive influence.
“Our research indicates that it is not necessary to overexert to achieve observable cognitive improvements,” said study researcher Amir-Homayoun Javadi from University of Kent in the UK. The researchers investigated how varying intensities of exercise, or different types of rest, could directly affect participants’ performances on a recognition memory test.
This study can be significant for supporting new approaches to preserve memory in older age and in particular the treatment of patients with memory deficiencies.
Furthermore, guidelines for memory enhancement through exercise could provide a boost for students in exam settings or even help people with daily tasks such as remembering the items on a shopping list, the researchers said.
“If clear guidelines were developed to enhance memory through moderate intensity exercise, it could not only help support patients with memory deficiencies, but be useful for initiatives in schools, workplaces and society,” Javadi added.