Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 17/12/2016 02:23:02

Title: Does music benefit the brain like exercise does?
Post by: thedoc on 17/12/2016 02:23:02

Kate Radford asked the Naked Scientists:
   
There's a lot of research supporting the idea that exercise will improve your memory and potentially increase the amount of stuff you're able to learn in a period of time. I'm not a terribly active person, but I do sing in four choirs (I know, I have no life; it's awesome). As a biochemistry student, I could use all the help I can get, so, I'm wondering: does making music have similar benefits to the brain as exercise? (I understand that there will be confounding variables, such as the fact that singing is a controlled physical activity.)

Thanks!
Kate
What do you think?

Title: Re: Does music benefit the brain like exercise does?
Post by: evan_au on 17/12/2016 10:23:38

I have heard suggestions that singing in groups helps with social cohesion and a feeling of "belonging".
Although, if you can't sing at all, you may feel that you don't belong...

Title: Re: Does music benefit the brain like exercise does?
Post by: smart on 17/12/2016 10:36:28

Quote

Does music benefit the brain like exercise does?

Yes, Music listening may increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the frontal lobe and stimulate endogenous dopamine release. :)