Your Brain On... Leg Strength

Aug 21, 2024

Discover how leg strength goes beyond physical health, profoundly impacting brain function. Learn about the role of BDNF and neurochemical processes in enhancing cognitive abilities. Explore strategies for all ages to improve leg strength, emphasizing simple exercises and the importance of nutrition. Understand the link between exercise frequency, intensity, and overall brain health. Finally, hear expert insights on integrating movement into daily routines and the crucial relationship between recovery and effective training.

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Intro

00:00 • 1min

The Link Between Leg Strength and Cognitive Health

01:30 • 2min

The Link Between Exercise, Muscle Health, and Brain Function

03:42 • 16min

Rethinking Leg Strength Training for Everyone

20:12 • 2min

The Impact of Exercise Quantity and Intensity on Brain Health

22:01 • 3min

Strength Through Activity

24:43 • 9min

Leg strength isn’t just about physical health. There are enormous benefits for brain health, too.

From the more obvious benefits for balance and mobility to the deeper neurochemical machinery that powers the production and transportation of brain-boosting proteins, leg strength has a far greater influence on brain health than we might expect.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we discuss:

• The prevalence of injuries caused by falls in elderly populations (and how leg strength can help counter this problem)

• How brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF are produced by resistance exercise

• What actually happens to our muscles when we grow them with regular exercise

• How we can all work on our leg strength, regardless of age and ability

• The importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition in an effective exercise regime

Joining us for this discussion are the immensely knowledgeable Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, and Dr. Kirk Erickson, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (and an expert in the area of exercise and cognitive health).

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... LEG STRENGTH’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 3

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LINKS

Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University: https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/

Dr. Stuart Phillips on Twitter: https://x.com/mackinprof

Dr. Kirk Erickson at the University of Pittsburgh: https://www.psychology.pitt.edu/people/kirk-erickson-phd

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REFERENCES (Studies Dr. Erickson referred to in the show):

Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Raz, N., et al. (2003). Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(2), M176-M180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12586857/
Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Scalf, et al. (2006). Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1166-1170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17167157/

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