We all know that exercise such as running, biking, or hitting the gym has a lot of positive effects on our physical health. Now, a group of researchers has found that physical activity can also help improve our mental and cognitive health. Exercising four hours after studying has actually been seen to improve memory retention of what was studied.
This study, published in Current Biology, was conducted by a group of researchers from Radboud University in the Netherlands. According to the researchers, they do not know what exactly causes the memory retention, but they have found that vigorous physical activity activates the same group of neurotransmitters, which gives people a memory boost. The study used aerobic exercise on their subjects.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, there is an interesting twist to this study, as the researchers have found that exercising immediately after studying does not considerably contribute to memory retention. As to why this is the case, they say that they still have yet to find the answer. All they know is that it would be more helpful if the exercise is delayed for a couple of hours after doing schoolwork.
The effects of physical activity on memory retention vary depending on a lot of factors according to the researchers. These factors include, but are not limited to what is being learned, the method it is being learned, and who the learner is. It is still better to take your chances with this because it would not make your memory even worse and even if it did not make it any better, you will be physically healthier.
"It remains a challenge for future research to determine the specific parameters that modulate the impact of exercise on memory," the researchers say. "Our results suggest that appropriately-timed physical exercise can improve long-term memory and highlight the potential of exercise as an intervention in educational and clinical settings," they also add.
