No Walking Dead Here! Walking Benefits the Brain and Prevents Cognitive Decline

We know that walking makes us feel good, especially after a stressful day. That’s why some people choose to “walk away” from problems, or from negative people. Scientists have discovered another thing going for this simple exercise: It helps boost mental health.

Researchers observed 12 healthy young adults and used ultrasound to measure internal carotid artery blood velocity waves and arterial diameters to compute cerebral blood flow (CBF). They were tested while standing up and walking at the rate of one meter per second. The researchers found that foot impact while walking is lighter compared with running. But walking still creates bigger pressure waves in the body that substantially increase blood flow to the brain. Walking led to less dramatic effects on CBF compared to running, but they were greater than those seen during cycling, which had zero foot impact.

Researchers from the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) found that the foot’s impact while walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that substantially raise blood supply to the brain.

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