In an era of widespread computerization, a flood of diverse information bombards individuals, significantly increasing the load on the brain. How to relieve tension and restore efficiency in just a few minutes — this question was posed to scientists, and it seems they have found the answer.
Previous studies have shown that rhythmic music conducive to dancing has a positive effect on the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognitive functions of the brain. Japanese scientists from the University of Tsukuba aimed to enhance this positive effect and accelerate the process of brain activity recovery.
Specifically, they conducted an experiment that used musical fragments in combination with light physical exercises. The study involved 48 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 26 who engaged in mental work at computers in offices.
During short three-minute breaks, participants were offered to listen to a rhythmic dance melody and perform a simple set of aerobic exercises to it.
Before and after the experiment, participants underwent brain scans using MRI. Analysis of the obtained data showed that during the exercises performed to rhythmic music, the volunteers exhibited increased activity in the left area of the prefrontal cortex of the brain.
This area of the brain is responsible for executive functions — attention, memory, and thinking. That is, for the abilities necessary for planning actions, achieving set goals, and focusing on relevant objects of study. The researchers discussed the progress of the experiment in an article published in the journal Neuroscience.
