Summary: New research from Penn State College of Medicine reveals that everyday physical activities, from walking the dog to doing household chores, can provide immediate cognitive benefits. The study, which tracked middle-aged adults through their daily routines, found that any physical activity within the previous few hours improved cognitive processing speed equivalent to being four years younger.
Journal: Annals of Behavioral Medicine, October 19, 2024, DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaae059 | Reading time: 4 minutes
Movement Matters
The path to better brain health might be as simple as taking a midday walk or tackling household chores. A new study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine challenges the notion that only structured exercise can benefit our cognitive function.
“You don’t have to go to the gym to experience all the potential benefits of physical activity,” says Jonathan Hakun, assistant professor of neurology and psychology at Penn State. “All movement is important. Everyday movement counts as a source of accumulated physical activity that could be credited toward a healthy lifestyle and may have some direct impact on cognitive health.”
Innovative Research Approach
The research team used a novel approach to study cognitive benefits in real-time. Over nine days, 204 participants aged 40-65 checked in via smartphone six times daily, approximately every 3.5 hours. During each check-in, they reported their recent physical activity and completed two brain games testing cognitive processing speed and working memory.
The study population was notably diverse, with half of the participants being Black or African American and 34% Hispanic. All participants were residents of the Bronx, NY, with no history of cognitive impairment.
Immediate Benefits
The results were striking. When participants reported any physical activity in the previous 3.5 hours – whether light activities like walking or more vigorous ones like jogging – they showed improved cognitive processing speed. “We get slower as we age, both physically and cognitively. The idea here is that we can momentarily counteract that through movement. It’s compelling,” Hakun explains.
Building Better Habits
The study revealed an additional benefit: people who were regularly active experienced greater short-term cognitive improvements compared to less active participants. “There’s the potential for a brief walk or a little extra movement to give you a boost,” Hakun notes.
The researchers plan to conduct longer-term studies using activity monitoring tools to better understand how everyday movement influences cognitive health over time.
Glossary:
- Cognitive processing speed: How quickly the brain can take in and respond to information
- Working memory: Short-term memory used for immediate tasks
- Ecological momentary assessment: A research method that tracks participants’ experiences in real-time
- Executive function: Mental skills that help us plan, focus, and complete tasks
Quiz:
- How often did study participants check in during the day?
Answer: Six times daily, approximately every 3.5 hours - What cognitive improvement did participants show after physical activity?
Answer: Processing speed equivalent to being four years younger - How many days did the study track participants?
Answer: Nine days - Did the intensity of physical activity affect the cognitive benefits?
Answer: No, both light and vigorous activities showed similar benefits
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