Research is providing a deeper understanding of how exercise improves cognitive function in healthy human brains.
The U.S. public continues to set new levels for sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Many of our schools have removed classes in physical education. City planners omit designs for bike paths and sidewalks. Ironically, at the same time we have the strongest evidence in human history of the critical role of exercise in supporting human health.
Research published in the last few months (2012) provides a deeper understanding of how exercise improves cognitive function in healthy human brains. Other research addresses the value of exercise in the management of damaged brains and more evidence is emerging that exercise can significantly prevent age related cognitive decline. New studies continue to support the belief that both dementia and Alzheimer’s can, to some extent, be prevented or the progression curtailed with an appropriate exercise regime. Animal research demonstrates even greater potential for exercise or exercise in combination with diet to enhance brain health. These treatment and prevention regimes will no doubt be used in future human research.
A prevention oriented practice requires exercise recommendations beyond simply stretching or specific exercises for post injury rehabilitation. Weekly aerobic exercise is a necessity.