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A sedentary lifestyle destroys the brain
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In Boston, a group of specialists from one of the research universities conducted an experiment in which more than a thousand adult volunteers (average age - 41 years) took part. Experts observed the participants for twenty years.
Each participant had to walk on a treadmill at a speed of 1 m/s, and during the exercise, scientists monitored blood pressure and heart rate.
When the participants reached age 60, scientists scanned their brains and gave them cognitive tests. The scientists found that the participants whose heart rate increased sharply while running on a treadmill had significantly less gray matter in their brains and performed worse on cognitive tests. The group of participants whose blood pressure increased during the exercise performed worse on decision-making tests than the other volunteers.
It is generally accepted that the rapid and strong increase in heart rate and blood pressure during exercise in a physically inactive person leads to brain damage. Small blood vessels in the brain are particularly susceptible to sudden pressure surges, which can cause changes in brain structure and cognitive impairment.
Scientists believe that physically inactive people are more likely to develop dementia. The brain gets smaller with age, with the difference in size becoming most noticeable in Alzheimer's disease, and previous studies suggest that regular walking can help protect against cognitive decline.
Also, another study found that a sedentary lifestyle, even with regular exercise, provokes the development of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at a research university in Toronto analyzed more than 40 studies and concluded that an hour of exercise every day will not help prevent the problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
As studies show, the average person spends most of their time sitting (in front of the TV, at the computer, on the way to work, from work, etc.). The author of the research project believes that an hour of training per day is not enough; physical activity should also be present during the remaining hours.
At this stage, the research continues and scientists are trying to determine the optimal number of hours for sports activities to reduce the risks of developing diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. The author of the project noted that it is necessary to strive to maximize the level of physical activity. For example, according to the scientist, during the working day you can spend only 2-3 hours sitting, you should take a short break every 30 minutes, get up and walk, or do some small exercises, the same principle should be followed while watching TV.
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