Being sedentary can be an aggravating factor or a starting point for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers at the University of Otago, New Zealand, found that in addition to the already known benefits, a little intense daily exercise can also prevent the cognitive decline typical of aging.
According to the study, done with 12 people, six minutes of daily exercises and of high intensity slow down the development of Alzheimer’s. Scientists were looking for the best way to increase the production of BDNF protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
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Stimulating BDNF encourages the formation and storage of memories, improves learning and increases cognitive performance — the protein is known to participate in the processes that form new connections and pathways in the brain. However, drugs capable of stimulating its production have not yet been found.
Participants in the experiment, published in The Journal of Physiology, were exposed to four possible ways to increase protein:
- 20 hour fast;
- 90 minutes of low-intensity cycling;
- Six minutes of rigorous exercise, consisting of 40 seconds of cycling and 20 seconds of rest;
- Fasting and exercise combined.
Result
The results showed that brief but intense exercise was the most efficient way to increase BDNF: this type of activity was responsible for an up to five times greater increase in neurotrophic factor compared to fasting or light exercise. The researchers suggest that intense exercise increases and releases plaques that store large amounts of BDNF.
They also found a reduction of up to 49% in the risk of death related to cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack or stroke.
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