Research from University College London has revealed that a regular fitness routine can enhance brain efficiency in a matter of weeks.
The study, published in Brain Research, demonstrates that individuals who improve their cardiovascular fitness produce greater quantities of a protein associated with mental acuity following just 15 minutes of physical exertion.
This elevated protein release corresponded with the brain expending less energy during cognitive assessments.
Dr Flaminia Ronca, who led the research, noted that improvements became apparent after six weeks.
Exercise has a positive effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor
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"We've known for a while that exercise is good for our brain, but the mechanisms through which this occurs are still being disentangled," she said.
The protein at the heart of these findings is brain-derived neurotrophic factor, commonly known as BDNF.
Scientists have described it as a natural "fertiliser for the brain" owing to its capacity to support nerve cell growth, survival and the formation of new neural connections.
Researchers have long understood that BDNF plays a significant part in learning and memory processes. Evidence also suggests connections to improved mental well-being.
"Our results help explain why, if we increase our fitness levels, exercise can help us focus and concentrate on what we're doing, control impulsive behaviours, regulate emotions and be better able to make decisions," Dr Ronca explained.
The concept that BDNF directly creates "neural efficiency" represents a newer area of scientific inquiry.
The investigation tracked 23 adults between the ages of 18 and 55 who led predominantly inactive lifestyles and possessed relatively low fitness levels.
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Researchers divided participants into two cohorts; one group maintained their existing daily habits, while the other embarked upon a 12-week cycling regimen with progressively increasing intensity.
Those assigned to the exercise cohort undertook three cycling sessions weekly.
They additionally performed a weekly strength training session incorporating exercises such as press-ups and squats.
Throughout the programme, scientists assessed cardiovascular fitness and collected blood samples to monitor BDNF concentrations.
Participants underwent tests measuring attention, reaction times and memory while researchers simultaneously observed activity within the prefrontal cortex, the brain region governing focus, decision-making and impulse control.
Following three months of training, the exercise group demonstrated substantially improved fitness levels, though their resting BDNF concentrations remained unchanged.
The distinction emerged post-exertion, as those who completed the programme released considerably more BDNF after 15 minutes of activity than at the study's outset.
BDNF plays a significant part in learning and memory processes
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Participants achieving the greatest fitness gains typically exhibited the most pronounced increases in the protein.
Elevated BDNF levels correlated with diminished activity in the prefrontal cortex during attention and self-control tasks, indicating enhanced neural efficiency.
Dr Felix Chan, an assistant professor in pharmacology at the University of Birmingham, who was not involved with the research, offered a note of caution: "This is an exciting study which shows that exercise has a positive effect on BDNF and the brain. However, this is a small sample size, so further verification is needed."
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