Finnish scientists have found that aerobic physical exercises have a positive effect on the structure and work of the hippocampus - the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning.

According to their results, aerobic exercises, such as running or swimming, contribute to neurogenesis in the hippocampus, that is, the appearance of new nerve cells.

What kind of exercises and what intensity is better to use for this purpose is still unclear.

At the same time, researchers note that neurogenesis in response to stress is largely dependent on your genetics.

An interesting study was conducted by the staff of the Department of Biology of Physical Activity at the University of Jyvaskyla, who have been studying the biological effects of regular running, many-intensity interval training (HIT) and other types of physical activity on the human brain for many years.

For the last series of experiments, modified rats were used, which, due to their unique genes, reacted differently to physical exercises. Part of the rodents were forced to intensively train for 6-8 weeks, and the control group at that time was supposed to sit in closed cells, practically not moving.

The results of the animal brain examination showed that in the hippocampus of the active group a large number of new neurons (their number depended on the genetics of animals) was formed during training, an average 2-3 times more than in the control group. As is known, new neurons in the hippocampus are necessary for effective learning and memorizing new information, as well as for solving complex spatial problems.

In the pages of the Journal of Physiology, scientists once again recall the importance of physical activity for every person, including for the people of mental work.

medbe. en.