Brain and body exercises boost cognitive and physical performance in seniors

Local 12 highlighted a study by students at the University of Cincinnati that examined the benefits of pairing cognitive and physical exercise.

Doctoral student M.K. Wintz is studying biomedical engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science. Wintz said researchers are finding that dual-task exercises can lead to less brain fog, improved attention and even better memory.

Wintz is examining the topic at the Activate Brain and Body Fitness Center, where researchers worked with volunteers who dedicated their time exclusively to exercise and those who incorporated cognitive tasks in their exercise such as using a light board that requires users to press colorful buttons in sequence.

Wintz told Local 12 that the results suggest that adding cognitive tasks to workouts benefits participants, who fared better on the study's physical, cognitive and dual-task measures.

“I actually thought before I started with Activate that I was feeling maybe I was on the downhill slide of life and I don't feel that way anymore,“ participant Martha Hadley told Local 12.

Watch the Local 12 report.

Featured image at top: A UC student works out. Researchers say adding cognitive exercises to a workout can lead to better physical and cognitive health. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC