A study commissioned by Asics showed that exercise could significantly improve cognitive function and mental performance.
In an experiment, Asics invited competitive gamers from around the world specializing in mind games, including chess and esports, and who rely on their cognitive function, to start an exercise program.
After four months of regular exercise, Asics found that their minds had significantly sharpened, and they performed at a higher competitive level.
Asics data shows that participants’ international gaming rankings improved by 75 percent, “proving close interplay between our mind and body.”
The mind gamers’ cognitive function was increased on average by 10 percent, with problem-solving abilities improving by 9 percent, short-term memory increasing by 12 percent, and processing speed and alertness improving by 10 percent.
Group confidence levels increased by 44 percent, concentration improved by 33 percent and anxiety levels dropped by 43 percent.
The data showed that exercise could be as effective at boosting brain function as learning a second language, reading daily, playing a new musical instrument, or completing a puzzle every day.
Professor Brendon Stubbs, a researcher in movement and the mind, developed and led the experiment.
Each gamer followed a training program designed by runner-turned-international coach Andrew Kastor. The program included medium-impact cardio and strength training and increased the gamer’s exercise levels to 150 minutes a week. Professor Stubbs measured the mental improvement of the participants based on their performance in their mind games, cognitive tests and well being questionnaires over the course of their four-month research period.
Professor Brendon Stubbs commented on the results: “We all know that exercise is good for our mental and physical health, but the impact on cognitive functioning has been less explored. We wanted to examine the effects of exercise on people who depend on their cognitive abilities – competitive mind gamers. Our results showed significant improvements in their cognitive functioning, including concentration levels and problem-solving abilities.
“Exercise stimulates cell growth in the brain and rapidly increases blood flow to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, mechanisms that enable us to better retain memories, process information and problem solve quickly. If exercise can significantly increase the mental performance of professional mind gamers, imagine what it could do for the rest of us. From increasing focus when revising for an exam or improving alertness before a work presentation, exercise truly can enhance brain power.”
As well as showing that exercise improved the participant’s cognitive function and gaming capabilities, Stubbs also found that the gamers’ mental well being was significantly uplifted, with average State of Mind scores improving by 31 percent. The gamer’s average state of mind score at the start of the study was a below-average 58; at the end, it was a 76, demonstrating the impact exercise could have on mental well being.
Andrew Kastor, who developed the gamers’ training program, stated: “These results are astonishing and speak to the power of exercise. Many of the gamers couldn’t jog for longer than a minute at the start of the study, so their training program had to be moderate. One hundred fifty minutes a week sounds a lot, but when you break it down, this could be five sets of 30 minutes. No matter your fitness levels, the mental benefits of exercise are accessible to all.”
Inspired by the experiment, a camera crew followed four competitive gamers as they exercised regularly to improve their rankings on the international stage, resulting in the documentary “Mind Games—The Experiment,” narrated by the actor and mental health campaigner Stephen Fry.
Streaming on Prime Video, the feature-length film documents the journeys of four gamers, including Kassa Korley, Ryoei Hirano, Ben Pridmore, and Sherry Nhan, who play chess, mahjong, memory and esports as they compete in professional tournaments worldwide.
Gary Raucher, EVP, Asics EMEA, said: “Our founding philosophy is literally in our name, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. We have always encouraged utilizing exercise for both physical and mental benefits, but this is the first time we have explored the true impact on cognitive functioning. “Mind Games—The Experiment” shows the power of exercise to sharpen the mind, and we hope that after watching the documentary, everyone, regardless of their age, body type or fitness level, is inspired to move to help boost their brain.”
The Asics study ran from May through September 2022, with 77 gamers from 20 countries completing the experiment. All passed health screening questionnaires and completed consent forms before participating.
Photo courtesy Asics
