Study finds exercise stimulates neuron growth

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Study finds exercise stimulates neuron growth

WEDNESDAY, May 26 (HealthDayNews) -- Exercise can stimulate growth in

injured neurons, claims a study in this week's issue of the Proceedings

of the National Academy of Sciences.

This finding may provide scientists with a better understanding of

synaptic plasticity, which refers to the ability of neurons to make or

sever connections based on usage.

Researcher studied the growth of sensory neurons from rats that

exercised on running wheels for three or seven days compared to rats

that had no exercise. They found sensory neurons taken from rats that

exercised grew longer neurites (a type of extension) than sensory

neurons taken from sedentary rats.

The more time the rats spent on the running wheel, the longer their

neurite length.