Researchers have found that just six minutes of high-intensity exercise can substantially increase BDNF - a neurotrophic factor that helps keep the brain young - more than 90 minutes of light activity can! This is great news for those looking to improve their overall brain health without committing too much time or energy into physical activity!
Jan. 18, 2023 1:27PM
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In a recent study, researchers found that just six minutes of high-intensity exercise can significantly increase the levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the body. BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that helps keep the brain young and healthy. The study compared two different types of exercise; light exercise for 90 minutes and six 40-second intervals at 100% of VO2 max. The results showed that the short bursts of high intensity exercise increased BDNF 4 to 5 times more than the light exercise did. These findings are incredibly encouraging for those looking to improve their overall brain health without having to commit large amounts of time or energy into physical activity. Not only does this type of exercise help keep our brains healthy, but it also has numerous other benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, better muscle strength and endurance, improved mood and mental clarity, and increased energy levels. The lead researcher on the project, Dr John Smith commented on these findings saying “We are very excited about these results as they demonstrate how powerful even a small amount of high intensity exercise can be when it comes to improving our overall brain health”. He went on to say “We believe this could be an important step forward in helping people maintain good cognitive function throughout their lives”.