Dr. Chris Ring - Train Smarter: Boost Your Brain and Body with Every Workout

In this episode of the Cutting Edge Health: Preventing Cognitive Decline podcast, host Jane Rogers interviews Dr. Chris Ring, a researcher from the University of Birmingham, about groundbreaking findings on brain endurance training (BET). Dr. Ring explains how combining cognitive exercises with physical workouts can enhance both mental and physical performance. 
His latest research shows that the negative effects of aging on performance, especially when feeling fatigued, can be mitigated by (1) regular physical activity and (2) combined cognitive and exercise priming before exercise. Originally designed for elite athletes, this approach involves doing short bursts of cognitive tasks—like memory games or attention tests—before or during exercise sessions. 

Dr. Ring shares insights from a recent pilot study conducted in a small Spanish village, where older women who practiced BET showed notable improvements in both fitness and cognition compared to control groups. The conversation also touches on accessible ways for the public to implement BET using apps or simple brain tasks, even during workout breaks. Dr. Ring emphasizes the flexibility of the method and its potential to transform how we approach aging and brain health. The episode encourages listeners to rethink their fitness routines and incorporate mental challenges to boost long-term well-being.

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Professor Christopher Ring is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Birmingham's School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Hull and earned his MSc and PhD in Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, specializing in cardiac psychophysics. Following his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in respiratory psychophysiology at Ohio University. 

Professor Ring's research encompasses a broad range of topics, including the role of baroreceptors in pain perception, cognitive and sensorimotor deficits in hypertension, the effects of exercise and mental stress on immune responses to vaccination, and psychological factors influencing athletic performance, such as choking under pressure and moral decision-making in sports. His work has garnered significant recognition, with over 150 research articles published and more than 11,000 citations.

In addition to his research, Professor Ring is a dedicated educator, teaching a popular third-year module on the psychophysiology of sport. He has supervised 30 doctoral students who have gone on to academic positions worldwide. 
University of Birmingham

Outside of academia, he is an avid golfer, continually exploring ways to improve his performance on the course.

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Please note that the information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Cutting Edge Health podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.

Special thanks to Alan and Maria on the Cutting Edge Health team!

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