Research in neuroscience has shown that cardiovascular movement that is non-repetitive and that challenges coordination, similar to Nia, can have a profound effect on the health of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that this type of exercise increases the underlying systems that support cortical plasticity including neurogenesis(proliferation of neurons), metabolism and vascular function (Cotman et al., 2007; Schweitzer et al., 2006). Such exercise-induced structural and functional changes have been documented in various brain regions but has been best-studied in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain (Cotman et al., 2007).
Neurogenesis in the hippocampus has profound improvements in memory function.
References
Cotman CW, Berchtold NC, Christie LA (2007) Exercise builds brain health: key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation. Trends Neurosci 30:464-472.
Hollmann W, Struder HK, Tagarakis CV, King G (2007) Physical activity and the elderly. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 14:730-739.
Jung, C. G. (1989). Memories, Dreams, Reflections. New York: Vintage Books Random House Inc.
Schweitzer NB, Alessio HM, Berry SD, Roeske K, Hagerman AE (2006) Exercise-induced changes in cardiac gene expression and its relation to spatial maze performance. Neurochem Int 48:9-16.