Finnish scientists have proved that physical exercises not only help to make muscles bigger and stronger, but also allow to increase the amount of gray matter in the brain that contributes to balance and coordination, writes healthvesti. com.

Physical activity has previously been associated with a number of health benefits such as lowering body fat, reducing risk factors for heart disease, improving memory and thinking, and lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During the new study, scientists decided to find out how such activity affects the brain.

10 pairs of identical twins took part in the study. All subjects were men between the ages of 32 and 36 years. Scientists focused on twins who have the same DNA. This allowed researchers to see how physical activity affects their bodies.

In each pair of twins, one was always much more active than the other. MRI scans showed that exercise did not affect brain size in general, but led to more activity and more brain volume in areas related to movement and coordination.

Experts believe that such changes in the brain can have health consequences in the long term, for example, reducing the risk of a possible fall. In addition, it can also reduce the risk of being immobile at an older age.

medicinform. net.