Scientists have done study after study has shown
correlations between physical activity, muscular health and mental acuity.
Unfortunately, these studies have limitations because one person may be more
blessed than another. They could be smarter or grew up in a better environment
than the next person. That’s why twins make such good study subjects even if
they are not identical they still grew up in the same environment and if they
are identical twins that means the share the same genes. If one twins body,
brain and thinking abilities begin to differ substantially over the years from
the other, the cause is not likely to solely genetic or the early environment. Claire
Stevens, a senior lecturer in twin research at King’s College London, consider
twins and their thighs. Muscular power in the legs, which are the largest
muscles in the body, is a sign of healthy aging. People with stronger legs tend
to have sharper minds, studies show. The
scientist pulled records for 162 healthy, middle-aged, female twin pairs. The
twins were both identical and fraternal. The scientist took twins for had completed
extensive computerized examinations of their memory and thinking abilities, as
well as assessments of their metabolic health and leg-muscle power ten years prior.
The twins were then asked to visit the
laboratory to repeat the cognitive test. The scientist found that of the 324
twins, those who had had the sturdiest legs ten years ago showed the least
change in thinking skills even with other factors such as fatty diets, high
blood pressure and shaky blood-sugar control. This study showed snapshots of
the brain for identical twins, if one genetically identical twin had sturdier
legs than the other, she displayed significantly more brain volume and less
empty spots. This study only showed a single snapshot of the brain health of
middle-aged female twins.
I can't wait to read more on this kind of studies. I'm wondering if the reasons i started getting good grades is because i started lifting more weights. Defiantly something to think about.
While i certainly agree and have heard many studies that support the correlation between physical fitness and mental performance, I feel as though the sturdiness of ones legs is a very peculiar and oddly specific variable. Personally I would expect something such as one's cardiovascular capacity to be a more accurate representation of ones physical capabilities.
ReplyDeleteI think it might have to do with our hunter/gathering ancestors. It seems like if they worked more they'd have more reason to be smarter, and perhaps creating some evolutionary pressure
ReplyDeleteI am curious if this is only relevant to dead lifting, or all physical exercise that uses leg muscles? There seems to be a large gap in knowledge regarding this topic so I would love to see what future studies can reveal.
ReplyDeleteLauren, the study was leg sturdiness in general. although the study is very vague my gatherings were that it was the muscle size rather than the power ( how much weight you can lift). i just put deadlifts because they are a great way to build muscle!
ReplyDeleteamazing. here is another reason why we should get out of bed and hit the gym. the more weight you lift the stronger you get in turn more muscle you build.
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