How A 20-Minute Run = 26% Per Cent Brain Boost

Go for a short run, then tackle your children’s maths homework. You may surprise even them

A MAJOR NEW STUDY has confirmed what we brainy runners always knew: our favourite pastime not only makes us fitter and happier – but also smarter, too.

The Asics study hooked runners up to EEGs (electroencephalograms) and captured the brain waves of participants before and after a 20-minute run. This short bout of exercise led to a 26 per cent increase in brain-processing speed, a 21 per cent improvement in memory and a 58 per cent reduction in levels of cognitive stress. Interestingly, improvements were greater among everyday athletes than in elites.

Study lead Dr Brendon Stubbs says: ‘Most of the data and science that has informed public health has involved asking people how [physical movement] makes them feel. What’s exciting about this study is that it shows the powerful impact that just 20 minutes of running can have on people’s mental and cognitive health within the objective changes in the brain waves.’