Exercise and the power of the mind
Scientists have discovered that exercise enhances the power of the mind, according to a new study recently reported in the New York Times.
Researchers from the University of Illinois’ Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology placed groups of mice in four separate settings, ranging from a high-energy, stimulating situation filled with colorful toys, seesaws, running wheels and food dusted with cinnamon, to one with no embellishments and the standard kibble.
The mice underwent cognitive tests at the beginning of the study. Scientists injected a substance that allowed them to monitor any changes in the rodents’ brains. Then they monitored activity for several months.
Based on the findings at the end of the study, “only one thing had mattered, and that’s whether they had a running wheel,” said Justin S. Rhodes, a psychology professor at the Beckman Institute and lead researcher, in an interview with the Times.
While the mice played with the toys and enjoyed the food, researchers said that cognitive improvement only occurred while running in the wheel.
