The Benefits of Walking

Steady walking of one metre a second produces pressure waves through the arteries, which “significantly increase” cerebral blood flow (CBF), according to researchers from the New Mexico Highlands University.

Although the impact with the ground is not as significant as that from running, it seems to e enough to improve blood flow. This mechanisms, according to biologists, had been thought to be involuntarily regulated and basically unaffected by exercise.

Researchers tested the effects of walking with a group of 12 volunteers (admittedly NOT a large group!). Volunteers were monitored as they stood still and when they walked steadily. The same researchers had earlier tested the blood flow of runners, whose foot impact measured around 4-5 G-force. Although the impact was far less when walking, it was still sufficient to improve brain function and create “an overall sense of wellbeing”, the researchers said.