Better brain function with exercise? The evidence is clear. Not only can you get long-term benefits for your brain from exercise, but you can boost you brain power in the next ten minutes. Exercise can help your brain work more efficiently and actually make you smarter.
The thinking ability of subjects was tested in one study. After these tests, the subjects ran on a treadmill for thirty minutes. When their hearts returned to normal resting levels they took the follow-up tests. During all tests the subjects were connected to an EEG (elctroencephalogram), in order to track their brainwaves.
Researchers found that exercising had increased the speed their decision-making. It was considered a significant difference (beyond normal statistical variation). They also found that the subjects answered more accurately after the exercise than before.
Participants were between 18 and 24 years old, but researchers think the findings will hold true for other age groups as well.
One study showed that just ten minutes of moderate exercise each day can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Brain function specifically wasn’t tested, but it seems likely that less...