Intense cycling exercise increases brain formation and production of memory specific proteins
Research has shown that six minutes of high-intensity exercise prolongs the lifespan of a healthy brain and delays the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that short but intense cycling increases the production of special proteins essential for brain formation, learning and memory, and protects the brain from age-related cognitive decline. protect This research is part of an effort to develop an accessible, affordable, non-pharmacological approach to promoting healthy aging.
A special protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways) and survival of neurons. Animal studies have shown that increasing the availability of BDNF promotes memory formation and storage, enhances learning, and improves overall cognitive performance.
“BDNF has shown great promise in animal models, but until now, the pharmaceutical domain has not been able to safely exploit its protective properties,” said Travis Gibbons of the University of Otago, New Zealand. “Humans naturally use BDNF for healthy aging. “There is a need to research non-pharmacological approaches that can preserve brain capacity.”
The research team compared factors such as fasting for 20 hours, light exercise (90 minutes of low-intensity cycling), high-intensity exercise (6 minutes of low-intensity cycling), and fasting and exercise to determine the effect on BDNF production. studied
As a result, they found that short but intense high-intensity exercise was the most effective way to increase BDNF compared to other factors.
“The cause of these differences is not yet known, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved,” said the research team. The cerebral matrix switch allows the brain to switch from one preferred fuel source to another so that the body’s energy needs are met.”
“We are conducting additional research to explore in depth the effects of calorie restriction or exercise to differentiate between its effect on BDNF and cognitive benefits,” he said. “We are studying how fasting for up to three days affects BDNF. “We are trying to find out the results of studies on fasting and simultaneous exercise to see if exercising vigorously at the beginning of fasting accelerates the beneficial effects of fasting.”