Leg Exercise Is Not Only Critical To Physical Health, But Brain And Nervous System Health, Too

Nov 16, 2018

Your brain and the other muscles in your body communicate with each other all the time. If one component isn't healthy, then the other component isn't as healthy as it can be, which means that you'll begin to see deterioration in your muscles and cognitive function at times.

If you have the capability to perform exercises or general work each day that involves bearing weight on your legs and other large muscles, then you stand a better chance of keeping your muscle mass instead of losing it over time. Those who can't perform these activities often lose the muscle mass that they have, especially in their legs and arms.

A recent study involved mice. Researchers prevented the mice from using their back legs. However, they still had use of their front legs. This activity continued to take place over 28 days with information recorded about how the mice changed their daily routines and how their legs were impacted. When the trial was over, the researchers looked at the brains of the mice. The area examined is called the sub-ventricular zone. This is where nerve cell health is often maintained for many animals.

When the activity of the mice was limited, the number of stem cells in this area of the brain decreased by about 70 percent. Mice who were allowed to use their back and front legs didn't have this decrease in stem cells. There were also certain cells in the brain that didn't mature at all for the mice that were restricted in how they were able to move around.

When you use your legs, there are messages sent to your brain that trigger the development and maintenance of cells that are necessary for the health of the nervous system as well as the brain in general. As you decrease your body movements, these cells don't have a chance to grow and thrive. These cells are essential for handling everything from stress in your life to dealing with routine challenges.

The muscles that you have in your legs are designed to allow you to walk from one part of your home to another or to walk while you're at work or while you're running errands. Those same muscles are designed to help you lift objects from the ground, to run around, and to play with your kids. If the brain isn't sending signals to control the muscles, then they won't move. However, the muscles need to move so that the cells in the brain continue to work as they should.

When you don't get enough exercise, then your oxygen levels might drop to a lower point than if you were to exercise on a regular schedule. You'll also begin to see changes in your metabolism if you don't use the muscles that you have in your body. These are important elements that need to work together with your brain so that you stay healthy.

What do you think about this study? Do you find that your brain works better after a day of exercise or movement? Let us know in the comments and pass this article along to your friends and family to encourage them to get outside and get moving!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!