Issue 125

In mixed martial arts self-control is one of the most important character traits you can have, but if you’re not a pro athlete and are working full-time it can prove difficult to master.

However, a study suggests a short, yet vigorous session of exercise might be the key to improving any control issues.

Researchers from VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands, believe a rise in the oxygen and blood flow to the pre-frontal cortex could be the reason behind a self-control boost in people ranging from six to 35 years old.

They reviewed 19 studies on how exercise can affect higher brain functions with 12 of them focusing on self-control. The results showed a short amount of exercise increased self-control moderately, whilst regular exercise had less of an effect.

“These positive effects of physical exercise on inhibition/interference control are encouraging and highly relevant, given the importance of inhibitory control and interference control in daily life,” the study authors state.