Briefly tightening the abdominal muscles can help flush waste from the brain, according to a new study. Researchers say abdominal contractions act as a "pump" that drives cerebrospinal fluid flow, potentially playing a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Abs Contraction Causes Subtle Brain Movement
According to science media outlet SciTechDaily and a Penn State University research team on Thursday, a group led by Professor Patrick Drew published findings on the relationship between body movement and cerebrospinal fluid circulation in the latest issue of Nature Neuroscience.
The researchers found that when abdominal muscles contract, abdominal blood vessels are compressed, pushing blood upward through pathways connected to the spinal cord. This process works like a hydraulic system, generating very subtle movements in the brain.
The team observed the brains of moving laboratory mice using advanced imaging equipment including two-photon microscopy and micro-CT. The results confirmed that the brain's position actually shifts at the moment the mice contract their abdominal muscles just before moving.
Notably, the brain moved immediately even when pressure applied was far weaker than that used to measure blood pressure, and it returned to its original position once the pressure was removed.
The researchers explained that these micro-movements promote cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Cerebrospinal fluid removes metabolic waste that interferes with brain function, and more active flow helps maintain brain health.
"Washing the Brain Like Squeezing a Sponge"
Professor Francesco Costanzo, who conducted the fluid dynamics modeling, compared the brain's structure to "a soft sponge through which liquid flows."
"Just as squeezing a dirty sponge in water cleans it, the subtle brain movements caused by abdominal contractions create fluid flow that washes away waste," he explained.
The researchers particularly noted that such effects can appear from very small movements rather than vigorous exercise.
According to their analysis, even modest actions such as briefly bracing the body before walking or lightly engaging the abdominal muscles before standing up can transmit pressure through the spinal veins.
"The simple act of moving the body itself can serve as a physiological mechanism that enhances brain health," Professor Drew said. "Everyday behaviors such as walking or light use of the abdominal muscles may play an important role in reducing the risk of diseases related to the accumulation of brain waste."
However, the researchers added that because the experiment was conducted on animals, additional research is needed to apply the findings to humans.
