Exercise & Brain Health: High-Intensity Interval Training May Be the Best Exercise to Stretch Your Brain by 30Seconds Health

Fitness Mental Health
4 years ago

Exercise & Brain Health: High-Intensity Interval Training May Be the Best Exercise to Stretch Your Brain

High intensity interval training and continuous moderate exercise deliver greater mental benefits to the brain than sustained strenuous exercise, a South Australian study has found.

Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) in Adelaide conducted multiple experiments involving 128 people whose brains were monitored after a single bout of aerobic exercise on a stationary bike and treadmill. The experiments ranged from low-intensity continuous exercise to high-intensity interval exercise, with the heart rate varying between 50 to 90 percent intensity.

UniSA researcher Dr. Ashleigh Smith and her Ph.D. student Maddison Mellow found that the greatest changes in neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire or modify its neural connections – occurred with 20 minutes of interval training or 25 minutes of continuous moderate aerobic exercise.

Dr. Smith says cycling or running at full speed without mixing up the tempo may elevate the stress hormone, cortisol, blocking the positive effects. “We already know that engaging in regular aerobic exercise is good for the brain, improving memory, attention and learning,” she says. “However, we need to understand why it is so beneficial and what the best exercise, intensity and duration is.”

Cortisol appeared to play a major role in whether an exercise was mentally beneficial, says Dr. Smith. She says high cortisol levels blocked neuroplastic responses, yet interval training may allow a sweet spot for cortisol rates to return to normal levels.

“What makes the brain special is that, unlike a computer, it processes sensory and motor signals in parallel,” says Dr. Smith. “It has many neural pathways that can replicate another’s function so that if the brain is damaged it can re-route signals along a different pathway. The more elastic the brain, the easier this is.”

Learn more about this exercise and brain health study.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Exercise & Mental Health: 3 Ways Exercise Boosts Brain Function & Can Make You Happier

How to Improve Your Cognitive Well-being: 10 Boosts for Better Brain Health

Sitting Too Much May Harm Your Brain – Even If You're Healthy! Stand Up & Read This!

Circuit Training: The Benefits of Circuit Training & How to Design Your Circuit Workout

Donna John
Interesting!! What do you think, Dawn Taylor ?
Elisa Schmitz
Just learning about the concept of neuroplasticity. It's fascinating!
Meredith Schneider
I LOVE HIIT workouts! 🤗💪 my oldest daughter and I went on an interval run yesterday! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything