Phys Ed: Why Exercise Makes You Less Anxious

TheNew York Times ^ | November 18, 2009, 12:01 am | GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Joubert/Photo Researchers, Inc

A neuron in the brain.

Researchers at Princeton University recently made a remarkable discovery about the brains of rats that exercise. Some of their neurons respond differently to stress than the neurons of slothful rats. Scientists have known for some time that exercise stimulates the creation of new brain cells (neurons) but not how, precisely, these neurons might be functionally different from other brain cells.

In the experiment, preliminary results of which were presented last month at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, scientists allowed one group of rats to run. Another set of rodents was not allowed to exercise. Then all of the rats swam in cold water, which they don’t like to do. Afterward, the scientists examined the animals’ brains. They found that the stress of the swimming activated neurons in all of the brains. (The researchers could tell which neurons were activated because the cells expressed specific genes in response to the stress.) But the youngest brain cells in the running rats, the cells that the scientists assumed were created by running, were less likely to express the genes. They generally remained quiet. The “cells born from running,” the researchers concluded, appeared to have been “specifically buffered from exposure to a stressful experience.” The rats had created, through running, a brain that seemed biochemically, molecularly, calm.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I guess that means Freeping all day doesn’t help remove anxiety...but what to do with Obama wracking Havoc?

[willgolfforfood]

That reminds me........ I need to do some 12 oz. curls right after work at the nearby bar today.

And tomorrow.

[marvlus]

later read.

[Talisker]

The rats had created, through running, a brain that seemed biochemically, molecularly, calm.

This was the control for the study:

[sten]

therefore... all the couch potato kids we are producing will be anxious and in need of various meds to deal with stress

[gathersnomoss]

shouting.....WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO SAY?!?!?!

Now, back to my keyboard...leave me alone.

[Joe 6-pack]

Is that a slothful rat or a rat-like sloth?

[JoeProBono]

[Talisker]

Is that a slothful rat or a rat-like sloth?

I'm sorry, the distinction being?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

LOL!

[goseminoles]

Remarkeable discovery? Methinks if one gets off their ass and engages in activities one one not dwell on the things that makes people anxious.

[iowamark]

Robert Maynard Hutchins: “When I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes.”

I would imagine it would work on anxiety also.

[9YearLurker]

Explains both the neurotic Woody Allens and the cool high school jocks in our world.

[SunkenCiv]

...unless that exercise is skydiving...

;’)

Thanks Ernest.

[neverdem]

thanks, bfl

[neverdem]

one more time

[grey_whiskers]

Thanks, BFL.

Cheers!

[raybbr]

I can tell you that during periods where I can't exercise I do get pretty anxious and have a short temper. During the periods that I exercise regularly I feel better - period.

I can't wait to hear Limbaugh tomorrow try to discount this study.

[syriacus]

Bring back morning and afternoon recesses for kids in elementary school!