Why mental fitness depends on strong leg muscles
A group of british scientists have concluded that muscle fitness, measured in terms of leg muscle strength can slow down the brain’s aging process. Over a period of 10 years researchers at King’s College in London studied 324 female twins. Due to the genetic similarities of its participants, utilizing twins ensured increased conclusiveness of the study.
Its Results have shown that strengthening the larger muscles in the body, through exercises such as running or gymnastics, for example, has a positive effect on cognitive ability. During the course of the study the one twin who possessed greater leg muscle strength at the starting point showed fewer age-related structural brain changes with regard to memory performance and information processing. Earlier studies had already proven that physical exercise has beneficial effects on the brain’s aging process. Studies conducted on animals have shown that strength training results in the release of hormones whichsupport nerve cell growth.
Further studies will have to be conducted in order to decode the biological mechanisms at play here; and whether or not this effect can be similarly observed in men and people of different age groups. What can be said for sure is that physical exercise significantly influences the mind as well as the body.
Source: body LIFE
Image: shutterstock/Sergey Nivens
Published on: 25 January 2016