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Brain Endurance Training (BET) Improves Cognitive and Physical Performance, Reduces Fall Risks

A groundbreaking training method combining mental and physical exercise has shown remarkable benefits for older adults, according to new research by scientists from the Universities of Birmingham, UK, and Extremadura, Spain. Brain Endurance Training (BET), initially developed to enhance the performance of elite athletes, has now been proven to improve both cognitive and physical abilities in aging populations, reducing risks such as falls and accidents.

Published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, the study highlights how BET enhances attention, executive function, and physical endurance in sedentary women aged 65-78. It marks the first time this dual-exercise method has been tested for its benefits on cognitive and physical performance in older adults.

How BET Works
BET involves integrating cognitive tasks with physical exercise. Participants in the study engaged in sessions that included resistance and endurance training, coupled with mental exercises designed to challenge the brain before physical activity.

“BET could be an effective intervention to improve cognitive and physical performance in older adults, even when fatigued,” explained Professor Chris Ring, corresponding author of the study. “This could have significant implications for enhancing healthspan, particularly by reducing the risk of falls and accidents.”

Study Findings
The research team divided 24 sedentary women into three groups: one practicing BET, another engaging in exercise-only training, and a control group that performed no training. Over eight weeks, the BET and exercise groups completed three 45-minute sessions per week. The BET group also completed a 20-minute cognitive task before each workout.

Participants’ cognitive and physical performance was assessed at the start and end of the study. The BET group demonstrated a 7.8% improvement in cognitive tasks, outperforming the 4.5% improvement seen in the exercise-only group. Physically, the BET group showed a 29.9% increase in performance, compared to 22.4% in the exercise-only group.

Implications for Aging
Previous studies have shown that mental fatigue can impair both cognitive and physical abilities, potentially leading to poor balance and a heightened risk of falls. By addressing these issues, BET offers a promising tool for promoting healthy aging.

“BET is an effective countermeasure against mental fatigue and its detrimental effects,” added Professor Ring. “While further research with larger and more diverse populations is needed, these initial findings suggest we should encourage older individuals to adopt BET to enhance their brain and body functions.”

Future Directions
The study underscores the importance of integrating mental and physical exercises in aging populations to maximize overall health and well-being. As research expands, experts hope to refine BET for broader applications, benefiting both men and women in various stages of aging.

Reference
Díaz-García, J., García-Calvo, T., & Ring, C. (2024). Brain endurance training improves sedentary older adults’ cognitive and physical performance when fresh and fatigued. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102757

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