Ways to Improve Your Brain: Why You May Want to Consider Running for Fitness by Mei Marcie

Your body may not be the only thing that benefits when you run for fitness. Research by a team at the University of Arizona examined the impact on the brain of repetitive athletic activities requiring little motor-control precision. They compared the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of adult male cross-country runners, alongside adult male non-athletes, aged 18 to 25.

The team found that the group of athlete runners' MRI scans showed more connections between different parts of the brain. For instance, cognitive functions, including the ability to switch attention between tasks, planning and decision-making, were improved in runners. This could be that high-speed running requires a combination of complex, sequential motor tasks, multi-tasking, working memory and object recognition. 

The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 

Note: 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, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Food, fun, health, happiness.