In life, sometimes it is easy to reduce sight of the important things. Exercise is no different and it’s one particular missing links that produce up the backbone of our ability to operate optimally.
Our Brains and Bodies are Linked
Recent studies from the Department of Psychology at the University of North Florida* show that individuals can increase our working memory up to fifty percent by performing movements and exercises like running barefoot, carrying large and/or awkward objects (farmer’s walk), walking or crawling on a balance beam, and navigating various obstacles.
What’s Proprioception and What Role Does it Play in Cognitive Function?
Wikipedia defines proprioception as “the sense of the relative position of neighbouring parts of your body and strength of effort being employed in movement.” Basically it happens such as this: proprioceptive training places a large demand on our working memory due to continual changes inside our environment and terrain. To ensure that our neuromuscular systems to carry on to execute optimally, we have to challenge our brains and bodies with stimuli which are unpredictable and is likely to make us think and react immediately.
Like What?
This may be anything from riding a skateboard psilo delic, bull riding, boxing, wrestling, or just walking on a curb. Dynamic challenges like this can make us consciously adapt our movements to the changing environment. Fighting styles, dance, and gymnastics are perfect for proprioceptive enhancement, as they provide movements which are uniquely different and therefore challenge and improve our cognitive abilities. Benefits include reduced risk of injury, increased stability, enhanced speed, quickness, and agility.
Proprioceptive Training and Injury
Proprioceptive training has been proven to aid in injury rehabilitation. Rehabilitation programs address three quantities of motor control: spinal reflexes, cognitive programming, and brain stem activity. These programs are designed to increase dynamic joint and functional stability.
Once we age, progressive cognitive decline is inevitable. Proprioceptive training has been shown to improve proprioceptive regeneration and cognitive demands in older adults. By performing challenging movements which are unfamiliar to us, we continue steadily to recruit and write new neurological patterns. As with any modification to one’s routine, it is very important that exercises are performed carefully and in a controlled environment to make sure safety and prevent injury.
Methods for Getting Started
So, ensure it is a point out integrate new movements and exercises into your daily lifestyle by trying a number of the methods mentioned previously, along with challenging yourself on a regular basis. For instance, try putting on your pants and shoes without possessing anything, washing dishes on one leg, or practicing simple movements along with your eyes closed. A broad guideline to remember is when something becomes too easy or natural, you cease to challenge your neuromuscular system.