[column width="1/2"]We all know how good exercise is for our physical health but do you know how beneficial it is for your brain health? We spend a lot of time thinking about these things at OpentraX and how we can apply them for our participants and clients to get them ahead!</span></p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) has completed significant research into the impact of physical activity on cognition. The research concluded that adults with normal cognitive function that undertake regular physical activity significantly reduce their risk of cognitive decline.</span>[/column_text][/column][column width="1/2"][single_image image="14747" img_size="large"][/column][/row][empty_space height="60px"][/column][/row][column width="1/2"][single_image image="14754" img_size="large"][/column][column width="1/2"]</p>Interesting...How Does OpentraX Use This Knowledge to Help Program Participants?</span></h3>"In large observational studies with follow-up periods extending decades, physically active people seem less likely to develop cognitive decline, all-cause dementia, vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease when compared with inactive people.” Knowing that this is possible, at OpentraX, we actively take the opportunity to make sure that we get as much of the incredible benefits of activity as we can, staving off these diseases and declines. </span>[/column_text][/column][/row][empty_space height="40px"][/column][/row][column width="1/2"]</p>So How Does It Actually Work?</span></h3>Physical activity improves cognitive performance by increasing blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow provides the brain with oxygen and nutrients which improves its functioning. It also increases the production of good proteins used for creating new brain cells.</span></p>Physical activity has a positive effect on the risk factors associated with developing dementia such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Don’t forget all the endorphins that wash over your brain each time we head out onto the tracks or do different activities!</span>[/column_text][/column][column width="1/2"][single_image image="14749" img_size="large"][/column][/row][empty_space height="40px"][/column][/row][column width="1/2"][single_image image="14750" img_size="large"][/column][column width="1/2"]</p>Can It Help People That Already Have Reduced Cognitive Functioning? </span></h3>Although science can’t measure exactly what the outdoors doing for us just yet, we all know and feel what it does for us. It feels good! There isn’t strong evidence to suggest that physical activity is effective (cognitively speaking) for those that have already experienced a cognitive decline but it is useful to manage other health-related issues associated with dementia. </span></p>Getting involved can help prevent chronic diseases, mobility problems, muscle weakness and low bone density. Our structured programs also help with routine, almost always improving participants moods and increasing socialisation in a safe and controlled space.</span>[/column_text][/column][/row][empty_space height="40px"][/column][/row][column width="1/2"]</p>What Type of Activity and How Much of It? </span></h3>According to WHO aerobic exercise is the most effective form of physical activity in terms of improving or maintaining cognitive functioning. "The evidence shows that the effect size is larger for aerobic training versus resistance training." Regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day has been found to be the most beneficial. Seeing as our almost all of our OpentraX sessions are carefully planned, over 30 mins and get you a program you can do at home or gym without us there, our participants are ahead of the rest when it comes to meeting the recommended guidelines.</span>[/column_text][/column][column width="1/2"][single_image image="14753" img_size="large"][/column][/row][empty_space height="40px"][/column][/row]</p>