Cognitive functions, which include thinking, understanding, memory, language, computation, and judgment, are essential intellectual processes performed in the cerebrum. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), located in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, is particularly crucial in managing these functions.
Research has consistently shown that exercise positively impacts cognitive function through various mechanisms, including increased cerebral blood flow, structural brain changes, and the promotion of neurogenesis.
To enhance cognitive performance, it is crucial to develop exercise programs that increase cerebral blood flow. While the benefits of moderate-to-vigorous exercise for cognitive functions are well-documented, the effects of light-intensity exercise on cerebral blood flow, particularly in children, had not been thoroughly explored until now.
A recent study, published in Scientific Reports, explores how even short-duration, light-intensity exercise can enhance cerebral blood flow in children.
The research team conducted an experimental study to examine how short-term, light-intensity exercises affect prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamics. They focused on exercises that are simple to perform without special equipment, such as stretching. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), an imaging technique that measures changes in cerebral blood flow through oxy-Hb concentrations, was used to assess these effects.
The study involved 41 healthy children ranging from fifth-grade elementary to third-year junior high school students. These children were taught seven different types of low-intensity exercises, accompanied by safety measures. The exercises included Upward Stretch, Shoulder Stretch, Elbow Circles, Trunk Twist, Washing Hands, Thumb and Pinky, and Single-leg Balance. Most exercises were performed while seated, except for the Single-leg Balance, with movements lasting 10 to 20 seconds. The researchers recorded and compared oxy-Hb levels at rest and during exercise.
The results were highly promising, showing a significant increase in oxy-Hb levels in multiple regions of the PFC during all forms of exercise compared to the resting state. However, no significant change in oxy-Hb levels was observed during static stretching with movement in one direction.
Despite these benefits, a staggering 81% of children worldwide do not engage in sufficient physical activity. This widespread lack of exercise leads to high levels of sedentary behavior, which poses serious concerns for children’s brain development and cognitive function.
In conclusion, this study represents a significant advancement in combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting brain activity in children, thereby supporting their physical and mental development.
While this study demonstrated that even short-duration, low-intensity exercise can increase cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, encouraging regular physical activity in children is a vital step toward ensuring their healthy brain development and overall well-being.
