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A study published within the journal Frontiers in Aging and Neuroscience (August 25, 2015) found that fitness levels in older adults were related to activation in areas of the frontal lobe of the brain chargeable for executive function—time management, planning, and organizing. And mental skills are used to recollect details. Researchers analyzed brain imaging and cardio fitness data from 128 adults aged 50 to 80. Cardio fitness level was determined by measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) while an individual was walking at a high speed on a treadmill. Executive function skills were measured by how quickly and accurately an individual responded to computer stimuli similar to numbers and letters.
Results: Individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels showed greater brain activity within the frontal lobe. They were also higher at multi-tasking than single-tasking. This is vital, the researchers say, because older adults have more difficulty processing multiple tasks. Although this study found a link between good cardio health and higher cognitive function, more research is required to indicate you could improve your brain function by increasing your fitness.
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