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A study was recently done at the University of Illinois on mice and the effect of exercise and learning.
The mice were arranged in for different environments.
Group 1- Great food, plastic tunnels, seesaws and other toys and plush bedding
Group 2- All the stuff Group 1 had plus a running wheel
Group 3- No cool stuff, standard bland mouse food
Group 4- Same as Group 3 except they had a running wheel
The animal’s brain structure was tested prior to the experiment and after a few months the mice were retested. The results; that nothing in the environment changed their brainpower except the running wheel!
While we begin to start having brain decay in our late 20’s it is proven that exercise can delay or reverse this loss. Remember the notion that we have a certain amount of brain cells and that’s it; well, that notions wrong. In the 1990’s researchers found that neurogenesis (new brain cell creation) was a reality and that (surprise, surprise) exercise was a catalyst to cell growth.
It appears that as long as one follows some sort of aerobic routine like running or walking, regardless of age, a ‘brain benefit’ can occur.
I’ve attached the link that speaks to the study.
So while you may think we runners are a goofy bunch it looks like we're getting smarter!
Tim Reed is executive director of the annual Boilermaker 15K Road Race in Utica, N.Y.
