WANT TO IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH? GRAB A SWORD! The Benefits of Open-Skill Sports
Did you know fencing is making a comeback? No longer just for heartsick gentlemen of the Regency era, fencing is increasingly being taught in public schools, displayed in the pages of popular indie comics, and practiced among seniors. Plenty of baby boomers are picking up swords, or “sabers” — and it’s not because they’re preparing to fight dragons. Exercise is important no matter your age, but some activities are more beneficial than others. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE) suggests activities defined as “open-skill sports,” like fencing, can do more to improve brain health than “closed-skill sports.” Open or Closed? The difference between an open-skill sport and a closed- skill sport lies in the dynamic nature of the activity. Going for a jog is great for
When most people think of physical therapy, they probably picture someone suffering from pain or injury in their legs, arms, or back. But of course, these aren’t the only areas that can become dysfunctional from trauma or disease. Following a stroke, brain injury, or neurodegeneration from Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, issues that arise may be as cognitive as they are physical in nature. As a result, it can become difficult to properly form words, swallow, or retain the oral motor control essential for everyday communication. Luckily, physical therapy can help. By targeting specific muscles in the face, mouth, and throat, we can restore normal oral function, allowing patients to communicate with their loved ones, maintain their independence, and avoid your heart health, but your body is doing the same thing during the entire workout. This makes it a closed-skill sport. The same goes for swimming; you might have different strokes to choose from when you jump in the pool, but your brain is focused on repeating the action while doing your laps. Open-skill sports require players to respond to unpredictable circumstances in unpredictable ways. Fencing is a great open-skill sport because, while you have to learn the right way to hold the saber and move your body, you also have to think on your feet and react quickly to your opponent’s attacks. Researchers from the Foro Italico University of Rome believe that it’s the required adaptability that makes open-skill
It all starts with an initial consultation. During this first meeting, your therapist will determine the precise nature of your problem, go through a few tests with you, and start formulating a path forward. By the end of the session, you and your therapist will be equipped with a comprehensive plan to address your issue for the long haul. Over the next few weeks, you’ll work with your therapist once or twice a week to go through a number of simple exercises. You’ll steadily rebuild strength and restore the function of whatever areas are causing you problems. Eventually, you’ll find yourself able to speak clearly, swallow safely, and get on with your life without worrying about this seemingly minor — but actually quite serious — issue. If you suffer from speech and swallowing problems, don’t suffer in silence. Call Four Corners Health and Rehabilitation at 352-243-4422 today, and let our experts guide you toward a healthy, happy life. What’s the Best Open-Skill Sport? If fencing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great open-skill sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, and racquetball. What are you waiting for? Swing by your local rec center and find out what open-skill sport will be your new favorite pastime! sports so good for your brain. You challenge your body with complex motor movements and your mind with fast decisions. In the study from PSE, the researchers reported that “the open- skill athletes used less brainpower to do the same thing than the closed-skill exercisers did.”
How Speech Therapy Can Enrich Your Life
the hazards that come with these persistent cognitive challenges.
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