Climbing stairs for just a few minutes can quickly boost brain function and improve mental performance, according to a study by University of Otago researchers.
The findings, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, indicate that brief periods of physical exercise can help individuals perform mental tasks faster and with greater precision.
The study involved about 50 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 36. Participants completed six separate one-minute intervals of climbing and descending stairs at a fairly intense pace before taking a series of cognitive tests.
Following the physical exertion, volunteers completed evaluations measuring attention, thinking speed, and decision-making capabilities. Researchers found that participants solved cognitive tasks faster and more accurately than during a control session without physical activity.
Duration of cognitive benefits
The improvement in brain function persisted for approximately 20 minutes after participants completed the stair exercise. Researchers noted that the exercise did not cause any change in the volunteers' mood.
Study authors initially expected the cognitive boost to be linked to increased blood flow to the brain. However, physical measurements taken during testing failed to confirm any change in cerebral blood flow, leading researchers to hypothesize that other biological mechanisms drive the mental enhancement.
The researchers suggested that short stair climbing breaks could serve as a simple, effective method to support brain function throughout the workday or during study sessions.
Context and previous research
Cognitive functions refer to core mental faculties including attention, processing speed, and decision-making that allow people to process information. The Journal of Cognitive Enhancement is a peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to research on methods for improving human mental performance.
The University of Otago, founded in 1869 in Dunedin, is New Zealand's oldest university and a major center for health sciences research.
The study adds to broader scientific research into how daily lifestyle habits influence brain health. Previous studies by scientists have shown that regular social activity, including meeting friends, going to the cinema, or attending church, can slow down brain aging.
