In life, sometimes it is easy to get rid of sight of the important things. Exercise isn’t any different and it’s some of those missing links that make up the backbone of our ability to work optimally.
Our Brains and Bodies are Linked
Recent studies from the Department of Psychology at the University of North Florida* show that people can increase our working memory around 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 is Proprioception and What Role Does it Play in Cognitive Function?
Wikipedia defines proprioception as “the sense of the relative position of neighbouring parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.” Basically it happens such as this: proprioceptive training places a big demand on our working memory as a result of continual changes within our environment and terrain. For our neuromuscular systems to carry on to perform optimally, we’ve to challenge our brains and bodies with stimuli which are unpredictable and could make us think and react immediately.
Like What?
This might be anything from riding a skateboard psilo delic, bull riding, boxing, wrestling, or simply just walking on a curb. Dynamic challenges like this can make us consciously adapt our movements to the changing environment. Martial arts, dance, and gymnastics are typical ideal for proprioceptive enhancement, as they give movements which are uniquely different and therefore challenge and improve our cognitive abilities. Benefits include reduced danger 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 created to increase dynamic joint and functional stability.
Once we age, progressive cognitive decline is inevitable. Proprioceptive training has been shown to increase 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. Just like any modification to one’s routine, it is very important that exercises are performed carefully and in a controlled environment to make certain safety and prevent injury.
Tips for Getting Started
So, allow it to be a point to integrate new movements and exercises into your daily lifestyle by trying some of the methods stated earlier, as well as challenging yourself on a daily basis. Like, try putting on your own pants and shoes without keeping anything, washing dishes on one leg, or practicing simple movements along with your eyes closed. A broad guideline to remember is that if something becomes too easy or natural, you cease to challenge your neuromuscular system.