Exercising outdoors 'could improve brain function'
20/01/2010 Research which shows running helps develop brain cells could be applied to other types of outdoor exercise, according to one expert.
Neuroscientists at Cambridge University recently conducted a study which suggests that running could have a positive impact on the brain. The study found that after running for a few days hundreds of thousands of new brain cells had developed which led to increased memory; a critical skill for the ability to learn.
The new cells also developed in the part of the brain associated with memory, which suggests that aerobic exercise could help slow down the aging process. Researchers carried out the tests on mice and the results have yet to be confirmed on humans.
However, according to a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), the findings could also be applied to other aerobic activities, which include trampoline exercise.
Dr John Buckley, a BASES accredited exercise physiologist, lecturer and author, said: "If the evidence is correct, then these benefits will also apply to any physical activity that is performed at similar weekly frequencies, durations and intensities that engage large muscle groups in rhythmical fashion."
Benefits associated with aerobic exercise include improved muscle tone, metabolism and weight loss.
Neuroscientists at Cambridge University recently conducted a study which suggests that running could have a positive impact on the brain. The study found that after running for a few days hundreds of thousands of new brain cells had developed which led to increased memory; a critical skill for the ability to learn.
The new cells also developed in the part of the brain associated with memory, which suggests that aerobic exercise could help slow down the aging process. Researchers carried out the tests on mice and the results have yet to be confirmed on humans.
However, according to a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), the findings could also be applied to other aerobic activities, which include trampoline exercise.
Dr John Buckley, a BASES accredited exercise physiologist, lecturer and author, said: "If the evidence is correct, then these benefits will also apply to any physical activity that is performed at similar weekly frequencies, durations and intensities that engage large muscle groups in rhythmical fashion."
Benefits associated with aerobic exercise include improved muscle tone, metabolism and weight loss.
