Exercise In The Morning Sharpens Brains Of Older Adults, Study Finds

Older men and women who regularly partake in moderate-intensity workouts in the morning hours enjoy the benefits of a sharper brain during the day when it comes to cognitive performance, a recent study led by researchers at the University of Western Australia's Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute found. The research, cited by StudyFinds.org , also showed that bouts of morning exercise combined with several brief, light-intensity walking breaks throughout an eight-hour day boosts short-term memory over uninterrupted sitting. The research team found that different patterns of physical activity are able to enhance specific cognitive tasks and aspects. The study involved 67 adults between the ages of 55 and 80. These participants were called upon to exercise on a treadmill in the morning, with some getting three-minute walking breaks throughout the day and some not. The researchers assessed different aspects of cognition and concentration, including attention span and decision-making.