研究發現堅持跑步的人腦子更大更好用

If you thought running was just great for the body, then think again.

如果你認爲跑步只對身體有好處，那麼再想想吧。

Scientists have uncovered evidence the sport not only keeps people trim but also boosts brain power.

科學家已經找到證據證明體育運動不僅能讓人保持苗條身材，還能提升腦力。

The research found that people who keep fit are more likely to have larger brains, better memories and clearer thinking.

研究發現，喜歡健身的人一般大腦更大，記憶力更好，思維更清晰。

They also found that unfit people tended to have smaller brains and reduced cognitive skills.

他們也發現不喜歡健身的人往往大腦較小，認知功能退化。

The findings add to a growing body of evidence which Links exercise with helping protect the brain against ageing and also aiding it replace dying cells.

越來越多的證據表明，鍛鍊有助於抵禦大腦老化，促進死細胞代謝。

This might reduce the risk of debilitating illnesses and diseases such as Alzheimer's.

鍛鍊還可能降低患老年癡呆症等退行性疾病的風險。

One research paper within its latest issue sees scientists at Kentucky University putting 30 adults aged 59-69 on a treadmill.

在研究這一新論題的一篇論文中，肯塔基大學的科學家們對30位59-69歲的人做了一項實驗，讓他們在跑步機上鍛鍊。

Their heart and lung capacity was measured and an MRI scanner was used to assess the blood flow to their brains.

研究者測量了他們的心肺功能，使用磁共振成像儀判斷大腦的血液流量。

Those who were less fit had smaller brains compared to the fitter volunteers who had larger brains.

那些身體不太健壯的志願者大腦較小，而體格健壯的人大腦較大。

Scientists in Germany followed 21 adults aged between 60-77. As they went through a three-month fitness program they saw improvements in their memory.

德國的科學家們對21名60-77歲的成人做了跟蹤調查。經過三個月的運動健身，他們的記憶力得到了改善。

Researchers are not yet sure why exercise helps to protect brain cells but some research in mice has produced results.

研究者們還不確定鍛鍊有助於保護腦細胞的原因，但一些對老鼠的研究已經找到了答案。

Mice, examined at the National Institute on Aging, in Baltimore, found that cells in the hippocampus, an area of the brain used for memory, were actively reproducing while their fatter peers were in decline.

位於巴爾的摩的美國國家衰老研究所發現，那些體型苗條的老鼠，大腦用於記憶的區域——海馬體中的細胞在積極地繁殖，而胖老鼠的海馬體細胞在下降。

Linda Clare, professor of clinical psychology of ageing and dementia at Exeter University and a member of the Global Council on Brain Health told The Sunday Times: 'Moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, cycling or running can produce changes in brain structure and function.'

英國埃克塞特大學衰老和癡呆臨牀心理學教授、全球腦健康委員會成員琳達•克萊爾對《星期日泰晤士報》說：“快走、騎車、跑步等中等強度的有氧運動可以改變大腦的結構和功能。”