Regular physical activity is widely recognised for its benefits to physical and mental health. Running, in particular, has been associated with improvements in mood and cognitive performance. However, most studies examining these benefits have focused on moderate- or higher-intensity exercise, leaving uncertainty about whether running at very light intensity can produce similar effects.

Executive function encompasses cognitive processes such as attention, inhibitory control, and decision-making, which are primarily supported by the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Previous research has demonstrated that moderate-intensity running can enhance executive function and activate prefrontal brain regions. However, more demanding exercise may be difficult for individuals with lower fitness levels, highlighting the need to investigate the potential benefits of less strenuous activity.

To address this evidence gap, researchers investigated whether a brief session of very slow running could improve mood and executive function while stimulating prefrontal cortical activity.  A recent study published in Imaging Neuroscience suggests that even 10 minutes of very slow running may improve mood, enhance executive function, and increase activity in brain regions involved in cognitive control.