TOKYO – Enhancing prefrontal cortex (PFC) cognitive functions requires identifying suitable exercises that increase cerebral blood flow. A recent study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy found that short-duration, low-intensity physical exercises, except static stretching with monotonous movements, increased oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels, thereby activating the PFC and enhancing blood flow in children. This study marks a significant step toward improving both the physical and mental health of children.
Cognitive functions, also known as intellectual functions, encompass thinking, understanding, memory, language, computation, and judgment, and are performed in the cerebrum. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), located in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, handles these fun
