Just as exercise strengthens the heart and
lungs, bones and muscles, it may also power up the brain. A succession of scientific studies of animal simplies
that physical activity has a positive effect on mental functioning.
"It's clear that the brain benefits from exercise ,"says brain
scientist William Greenough
of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
His studies with rats have demonstrated two primary effects of activity: vigorous
physical exercise provides the brain with more fuel, and skill-based exercise
increases the formation of connections in the brain, which, according to the
proposals of some scientists, may make the brain better able to process
information.
In one experiment, laboratory
rats were separated into three groups. One group was exercised by running
inside an automatic wheel, a second group improved their skills in a complicated
obstacle course, and a third group was inactive.
Inactivity may also have negative effects on
mind and body alike."Scientists recognize that mind is body, and body is
mind," comments Howard. The mostbeneficial forms of exercise, he says, engage both.
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