Morning Exercise Can Improve Decision-Making Across the Day in Older Adults

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found a morning round of moderate-intensity exercise improves decision-making throughout the day compared to being sedentary, reports Medical Xpress . In addition, a morning workout in combination with brief light-intensity walking breaks to disrupt sitting over an eight-hour day can improve short-term memory versus uninterrupted sitting. Moreover, the researchers found the distinct responses in cognitive performance to exercise compared to exercise and sitting breaks suggest differing patterns of physical activity augmenting distinct aspects of cognition. Core to mediating the benefits of exercise on learning and memory is neurotropic growth factor, a protein which fulfills a key role in the survival and growth of neurons. The study showed this protein was elevated for eight hours during both exercise conditions, relative to prolonged sitting. "This study highlights how relatively simple changes to your daily routine could have a significant benefit to your cognitive health," notes the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute's Michael Wheeler. "It also reveals that one day we may be able to do specific types of exercise to enhance specific cognitive skills such as memory or learning."