Scientists at the University of Missouri recently found
that active motivation to physically exercise increases brain development. They
previously found that the motivation to exercise is passed down genetically.
Through several tests researchers gathered rats with the natural desire to run
on the wheel much more often than the other rats that stayed away from the
wheel and were much more immobile. The scientists then bred the rats together
through ten generations and found that the offspring with the traits of the
lazier generation had much less brain activity then the ones with the traits of
the active rats. This leads scientists to believe that being more active at a
younger age causes much stronger brain development.
I never thought of exercise as being related to
genes. This research is very interesting because if more studies are put into
the effect of exercise on children, maybe more parents will encourage their
children to get out and get active. My sister spends most of her time on my
family’s couch watching T.V. I believe it would be more beneficial for her to
be outside riding her bike. For an overview of how exercise is known to help your brain, go here.
I find it interesting that the motivation to exercise is related to genetics. It almost seems as if every single trait is somewhat gene related, especially considering one of the articles I discussed about parents passing their trauma to children despite them not being exposed to the trauma. It will be curious to see if scientists can find a way in the future to suppress certain traits that may be seen as "negative."
ReplyDeleteAs far as the subject of exercise increasing brain activity, it seems like common sense to me. I know that even as an adult, if I don't even workout for a couple days I won't feel as sharp as i usually do.
I found that motivation does come from genetics, the will to wanna to do things, which is passed down from ancestors. I think its common sense that being more active at a younger age whether it comes to brain activity or exercise has a huge impact on your life as you grow older.
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