Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found that just 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise can help boost long-term muscle memory. According to The New York Times, an example of muscle memory is never forgetting how to ride a bike, even if you learned 20 years ago.
The study asked a group of men to play a computer game. The participants were then instructed to exercise before, after or not at all. The men then played the computer game again a week later and researchers found that those who exercised after the first session performed the best. Those who exercised immediately before also showed improvement. The study found that the effects of exercise improved the storage and retrieval processes of long-term motor memory.
Motor memory skills are essential for everyday activities like playing musical instruments, typing on a computer, playing sports or performing dance routines.
But motor skills can play a more important role in your future. The University of Florida College of Dentistry advises students who are interested in attending dental school to practice fine motor skills such as sewing and sculpting. These fine motor skills are similar to the skills necessary in dentistry. These skills are also essential for future nurses, doctors and physicians.
Even if health care isn’t in your future, other careers in the culinary field, fine arts and architecture all require solid motor skills.
So on your next study break, remember to stop by the gym.
