Exercise not only strengthens muscles but also boosts brain health by improving nerve connections, revealing a surprising link between physical activity and cognitive function.
"Key Highlights:
1. Exercise aids brain health through surprising muscle interactions.
2. Nerves play a key role in muscle-brain communication.
3. Study suggests exercise's impact on brain goes beyond muscles."
"Exercise is closely linked to brain health and muscle function, although explaining this connection can be tricky. A recent study on how exercise boosts brain function by examining how nerves communicate between muscles and the brain.
How Exercise Affects Brain Function
Earlier studies focused on how exercise influences muscles. These studies found that when we exercise, our muscles release various molecules into the bloodstream that positively impact brain cells. These molecules include hormones and RNA, which help improve communication between the brain and muscles.
As people age or experience injuries, they often lose nerve connections in their muscles. This study aimed to discover ways to enhance these connections and improve communication between the brain and muscles. Researchers created two types of muscle tissues for the experiment: one with nerve cells and one without.
The Role of Nerve Cells
The researchers used these muscle tissues to investigate how nerve cells affect the release of molecules that benefit the brain. They found that muscle tissues connected to nerves released more brain-enhancing molecules, including higher levels of a hormone called irisin. Irisin can cross the blood-brain barrier, promoting the production of new brain cells. This indicates that exercise can have positive effects on brain health.
Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of nerve signals in strengthening the muscle-brain connection. As muscles lose their ability to release brain-supporting molecules due to age or injury, the risk of cognitive decline and other brain-related issues increases in older adults.
It’s important to note that this research was conducted on lab-grown muscle tissues, which means it has some limitations. More studies are needed to confirm these findings in living animals and humans."
