A sedentary lifestyle destroys the brain
Last reviewed: 16.05.2018
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In Boston, a team of specialists from one of the research universities conducted an experiment in which more than a thousand adult volunteers participated (the average age was 41 years). Experts watched the participants for twenty years.
Each participant had to walk on the treadmill at a speed of 1m / s, during the studies, scientists controlled the pressure and heart rate.
When the participants were 60 years old, scientists scanned their brain and gave tests of cognitive abilities. Scientists have found that in the brain of those participants who had a dramatic increase in heart rate during training sessions on a treadmill, the gray matter was much smaller and such participants did not cope well with cognitive tests. The group of participants, who had lower blood pressure during the sessions, were more difficult to test for decision-making, compared to other volunteers.
It is generally believed that a rapid and strong increase in the frequency of cardiac contractions and arterial pressure during exercise by a physically inactive person leads to brain damage. Especially susceptible to sudden pressure surges, small blood vessels in the brain, which can provoke a change in the structure of the brain and violations of cognitive abilities.
As scientists believe, physically inactive people are more likely to develop dementia. The brain becomes smaller with age, with the development of Alzheimer's disease, the difference in size becomes most noticeable, and as can be seen from previous studies, regular walking tours will help to protect against cognitive impairment.
Also, another study found that a sedentary lifestyle, even with regular sports, provokes the development of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Specialists of one of the research universities in Toronto analyzed more than 40 studies and concluded that an hour of exercise every day will not help prevent violations caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
As studies show, the average person spends most of his time sitting (at the TV, at the computer, on the way to work, from work, etc.). The author of the research project believes that hours of training per day are not enough, in the remaining hours physical activity should also be present.
At this stage, research continues and scientists are trying to determine the optimal number of hours for exercising in order to reduce the risks of developing diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. The author of the project noted that it is necessary to maximize the level of physical activity. For example, according to the scientist, during the working day you can spend sitting only 2-3 hours, every 30 minutes to take a short break, get up and walk, or perform small exercises, the same principle should be followed while watching TV.
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