The latest research on the impact of physical activity on the heart and brain

According to experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardio exercise helps reduce the risk of death from flu and pneumonia. People who do 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly and do muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week are 48% less likely to die from the flu or pneumonia than those who don’t exercise as much. Even 10 minutes of cardio exercise a day gives positive health effects. Meanwhile, the latest report prepared by A study at the University of Leicester found that years of hard endurance training and competition in long-term runners, cyclists, swimmers and triathletes may contribute to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, especially in men.

The neuroscience of fitness, a combination of physical activity and brain health, is an area of research focusing on the effects of regular exercise on the human brain and nervous system. One of the significant findings is the link between aerobic exercise like running and swimming and neurogenesis – the creation of new brain cells. It mainly happens in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for learning and memory. In addition, regular physical activity removes toxins from the brain, which improves the quality of sleep, which is crucial for the health of this organ. Exercise also leads to an increase in the levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances regulate mood, mental alertness and focus – which is why physical activity is often associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.