Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand found evidence for that idea. Neurologists and physiologists worldwide have already documented exercise’s benefits for mental function. Studies show exercise improves memory and concentration and helps prevent brain diseases, especially those linked to aging.
The new study approached the question from a fresh angle and reached surprising conclusions.
A Miracle Molecule for Brain Health
The team found that just six minutes of high-intensity exercise is enough to boost production of a brain protein linked to neuron growth. Under these conditions, the brain produces a key protein that stimulates and supports the development of neurons: BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This molecule plays a crucial role in the formation, functioning, and survival of brain cells and helps protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. BDNF also promotes the development of new signaling pathways and neural connections, ScienceAlert reported.
Lead researcher Travis Gibbons, an ecophysiologist, said nonpharmaceutical ways to raise BDNF weren’t well understood. So these findings matter because they could help support healthy aging.
What Scientists Discovered
The New Zealand research team involved 12 physically active volunteers aged between 18 and 56. They participated in three test conditions of varying intensity: 20 hours of fasting, 90 minutes of leisurely cycling, and 6 minutes of vigorous cycling.
The researchers aimed to determine which of these tests produced the most BDNF.
The best results for BDNF production came after the six-minute high-intensity workouts. During those tests, BDNF levels in the volunteers’ blood increased four- to fivefold. In contrast, low-intensity exercise and fasting did not produce a significant increase in BDNF.
Why this happens remains unclear, and researchers plan to explore the reason in follow-up studies.
For now, the key takeaway is that short bursts of high-intensity exercise can be a convenient, cost-effective way to support brain health.
Many Discoveries Ahead
Soon, the team will add more experiments to their protocol. For instance, the team wants to find out how a three-day fast affects BDNF levels. They also plan to study how combining fasting with intense exercise affects BDNF production. Gibbons said it will be particularly interesting to observe exercise’s impact on BDNF generation at the start of fasting.
Gibbons believes the evidence now links short, high-intensity workouts to better cognitive abilities. It’s likely many more discoveries lie ahead.
Kate Thomas added that physical activity benefits brain health at all ages. The study highlights the role short, vigorous exercises can play. Exercise is widely accessible.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Physiology.
