Even 10 Minutes of “Slow Running” Can Give Your Brain a Boost

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan has revealed that even a short session of "slow running" can provide significant cognitive and mood benefits. The team recruited 24 healthy adults and equipped them with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and head accelerometers to measure brain activity and movement, respectively.

Participants were asked to engage in slow running at a pace of 3 to 6 kilometers per hour, which is essentially a moderate to brisk walk. The fNIRS and head acceleration data were recorded before and after the exercise, allowing the researchers to assess the impact on participants' cognitive performance and mood. To evaluate cognitive function, the participants completed the Stroop test, which measures their ability to process incongruent stimuli.

In this test, color names appeared in colored text that either matched or did not match the name (e.g., the word "RED" appearing in blue text). The quicker participants identified the color of the text, the better their cognitive performance. The results showed that after just 10 minutes of slow running, participants demonstrated a shorter Stroop time, indicating improved cognitive performance.

Additionally, they reported a more positive mood. The researchers also discovered that greater head acceleration during the slow running session correlated with a greater improvement in mood. This suggests that the rhythmic bobbing motion of the head while running may play a role in enhancing mood. These findings challenge the notion that high-intensity workouts are necessary to reap cognitive and psychological benefits.

The study suggests that even a short session of slow running can provide a significant boost to both brain function and mood. This is particularly good news for individuals who may not be inclined towards high-intensity exercise, as it opens up a more accessible option for incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.