finds
We all know that physical activity is critical in maintaining our physical and mental health. But a new study finds that one type of exercise may provide more protection against cognitive decline than others.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, looked at the physical activity habits of 5,789 participants over a seven-year period. Participants were asked to complete surveys about how often they engaged in activities like walking, running, biking, or swimming, among other activities.
Researchers found that those who engaged in cycling for at least 30 minutes, three times per week, experienced a 40 percent lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did not cycle. Even more impressive, cycling had the strongest preventive effect when compared to other types of physical activity.
The protective effects of cycling were seen in both men and women, regardless of age or other factors. Furthermore, the researchers found that the benefits of cycling increased with more time spent on the activity.
The findings provide strong evidence that bicycling is a particularly beneficial type of physical activity for reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Kimberly Higgins, said the findings suggest that people should consider adding cycling to their exercise regimen if they want to reduce their risk of cognitive decline.
“Cycling is an accessible form of exercise that can easily be incorporated into any exercise routine,” said Dr. Higgins. “It is also low-impact, meaning that it can be done by people of all fitness levels. With its many health benefits, cycling is an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their risk of cognitive decline.”
The study’s authors also pointed out that cycling has many other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
So, if you want to get the most out of your physical activity, consider adding cycling to your routine. Not only will it help reduce your risk of cognitive decline, but it has many other benefits that will help you stay physically and mentally healthy for years to come.