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A recent study from the Faculty of Health Sciences, by researchers at the University of Sydney, uncovered that regular weightlifting can help to improve brain function. The findings were published in the Journal of American Geriatrics, as a follow-up study to a paper published back in 2014. In this recent study it was discovered that in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), that their cognitive function improved as they increased their muscle strength. 

These findings from the Study of Mental and Resistance Training (SMART) trial help us to better understand how we might be able to keep the brain healthy, in the face of increasing worries over the prevalence of dementia and other illnesses related to cognitive impairment. 

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For the study, a trial was conducted which involved participants between the ages of 55 and 86. It was carried out in partnership with the Center for Healthy Brain Ageing (CheBA) at the University of New South Wales, as well as the University of Adelaide. It was uncovered that there was a positive relationship between muscle adaptations to progressive resistance training and brain functioning. The more that the individual's strength increased, the more that it was seen that their brain would benefit and their cognitive function would improve, say researchers. 

## The participants were separated into four groups: 
## - resistance exercise and cognitive computerized training
## - resistance exercise and a placebo cognitive training exercise
## - brain training and a placebo exercise program
## -  a placebo physical exercise program combined with a placebo cognitive training exercise. 

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It is asserted that the benefits also persisted for the individuals even after their exercise sessions were over. And for the groups who were engaged in the placebo activities, they weren't seem to have the same improvement. The researchers have urged that the important factor is to engage in the weightlifting on a regular basis, and they have recommend at least twice a week at a relatively high intensity so that the individual is maximizing their strength gains. 


The new findings from this recent trial further confirm that which was found in the previously published paper. The researchers say that there is still more investigation needed in order to uncover the particular links between muscle strength, brain growth, and cognitive performance. 

Pics:
Pixabay
Sources:
http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2016/10/25/increasing-muscle-strength-can-improve-brain-function--study.html
http://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/this-exercise-can-make-your-brain-function-better-says-new-study