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September 30, 2024 02:20 PM IST
Exercise helps the muscles release irisin which can help in the production of new cells. Here’s everything you need to know.
Exercise, brain health and muscle function are linked – although the complex relationship may seem difficult to explain. Now, a new study published in 2024 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that exercise helps boost brain function by exploring the role of nerves in muscle-brain communication.
How does exercise affect brain functioning?
Previous research has shown how exercise can affect muscles. Studies have shown that during physical activity, muscles are activated and release molecules that move through the body’s bloodstream, having a positive effect on brain cells. These molecules contain hormones and RNA that can help strengthen communication.
Also read: World Brain Day 2023: Exercise to keep your brain active and avoid dementia
With age or injury, people lose nerve connections in their muscles. The aim of the study was to understand how to improve or enhance neural connections and strengthen brain-muscle coordination and communication. To study this, two different types of muscle tissue were created – one that contained nerve cells and one that did not contain nerve cells.
Also read: Amazing benefits of walking 4000 steps for brain health
The role of nerve cells in influencing the release of brain-boosting molecules.
This helped researchers investigate the role of nerve cells in influencing the muscles’ ability to release brain-enhancing molecules. The study further concluded that the muscle tissue connected to the nerves released higher levels of more brain-benefiting molecules and hormones – irisin. This hormone may help cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the production of new cells. Therefore, the study concluded that positive effects of exercise on brain health can be achieved.
Also read: Can physical activity help protect the brain as we age? Here’s what the study says
The study further highlights the role played by nerve signals in enhancing muscle-brain connections – this may further enhance the effects of exercise on the brain. As we age or get injured, muscles lose their ability to release molecules that are effective for the brain. This can lead to cognitive decline and other brain-related problems in old age. However, this experiment was conducted on lab-grown muscle tissue and had some limitations. Further studies are needed to conclude the effectiveness of these results on live animals and humans.
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