Backwards Thinking

I just read this great blogpost about cognitive skills and walking. This one takes a different direction, literally. Wray Herbert talks about brain function and the difference between walking forward as compared to walking backwards.

Researchers had a few volunteers walk some steps forward then they took a cognitive test. They walked left and took the test. This was repeated to the right, then backwards. The researchers concluded the following:

Those who had walked just a few steps backward were far more focused and attentive than were any of the others. That is, their physical retreat triggered increased mental control—presumably because of the ancient link between threat and vigilance. Confronted with a problem or difficulty, it made be advisable to take a step back and think about the situation—literally.

When I was in school I loved use techniques to help me assimilate information. I learned that drinking coffee an hour before a test helped with recall, I never missed a cup. Taking frequent breaks while studying helps process the info, I was the king of breaks. Now I learn that I should walk backwards when I need more brain power.

So if you see me walking backwards one day -- I'm not crazy -- just trying to get my brain to work.


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"Bridge Night" May Prevent Disease

[This study shows how important the nervous system is to immune system function - Dr. Anderson]

The card game bridge is a favorite pastime of adults throughout the world. Now, research presented Tuesday at the Society for Neurosciences annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana indicates that playing the game may bolster player's immune systems.

Twelve elderly women played contract bridge for one and a half hours. Compared with blood samples taken before play, samples taken after play contained significantly more CD4-positive T-lymphocytes, which are associated with disease prevention. Researchers speculate that bridge
activates the dosolateral cortex of the brain, which has been shown to stimulate immune cell production.

Society for Neuroscience.