The Power of the Brain-Body Connection | Mat Boulé | TEDxLaval

Summary

This script delves into the science of posture, exploring how standing upright affects heart rate, blood pressure, and cognitive function. It discusses the role of the cerebellum in movement and learning, the importance of the frontal lobe in organizing movement, and how posture can influence cognitive and emotional well-being. The concept of 'posture ology' is introduced, which aims to optimize posture through technology and exercises, potentially enhancing cognitive and emotional health without conscious effort. The script challenges viewers to consider the impact of posture on overall brain function and the potential for 'power postures' to improve hormonal balance and reduce stress.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The cost of standing upright is not a straightforward question and may vary based on the individual.
• 🧪 In 1978, research showed that standing upright increases heart rate and blood pressure.
• 🔄 Movement, learning, and thinking are interconnected, and how we move could be influenced by our environment and brain's frontal lobe.
• 🧠 The frontal lobe plays a critical role in organizing movements based on environmental perception.
• 👣 In 1998, neuroscientist JP Roll discovered that the skin of the foot provides essential input for standing upright and moving.
• 📚 Posture Ology, developed in 1985, aims to stimulate the feet and eyes to optimize posture without conscious thought.
• 🏫 Movement and academics share a common organ, the cerebellum, which is activated by postural muscles used for standing upright.
• 🧠 The cerebellum is crucial for both motor and language functions, affecting the entire brain's potential.
• 🚀 In 1999, research found that cognitive measures are affected in zero-gravity environments like space.
• 🧐 In 2006, studies on adults with ADHD revealed a smaller frontal lobe, affecting both movement and attention.
• 💪 In 2015, Amy Cuddy's TED talk highlighted that power poses can influence hormone levels and reduce stress.

Q & A

What did researchers discover in 1978 about the physiological effects of standing upright?

In 1978, researchers found that standing upright increases both heart rate and blood pressure.

How does the way we move potentially influence our learning and thinking?

The script suggests that how we move, learn, and think are interconnected, and that optimal movement could enhance cognitive functions.

What role does the frontal lobe play in organizing movements?

The frontal lobe is involved in organizing movements based on how we perceive the environment.

What did neuroscientist JP Roll's 1998 research reveal about the skin of the foot?

JP Roll's research indicated that inputs from the skin of our feet are used to stand upright and move.

What is the aim of the technique called 'posture ology' developed in 1985?

Posture ology aims to stimulate the feet and eyes with innovative technology and exercises to allow someone to stand upright optimally without having to think about it.

How does posture ology claim to achieve its results?

Posture ology achieves its results by stimulating the postural muscles, which are responsible for sending information to the cerebellum, thereby enhancing overall brain function.

What is the relationship between movement, academics, and the cerebellum?

Movement and academics share a common organ, the cerebellum, which is activated by postural muscles used to stand upright.

How does the cerebellum's activation by postural muscles affect the brain?

Activating the cerebellum through postural muscles can enhance both motor and language areas of the brain, potentially improving learning and cognitive abilities.

What did the 1999 study on cognitive measures in space reveal?

The 1999 study found that cognitive measures appear to be affected in space, suggesting that gravity might play a role in cognitive functions.

What was discovered about the frontal lobe in adults with ADHD in a 2006 study?

In 2006, researchers found that adults with ADHD had a smaller frontal lobe, which is critical for both movement and attention.

How does the size of the frontal lobe relate to stress management and certain personality disorders?

In 2015, researchers found that individuals who had difficulty managing stress, as well as those with antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, had a smaller frontal lobe.

What was the main takeaway from Amy Cuddy's 2015 TED talk on power poses?

Amy Cuddy's TED talk suggested that adopting power poses can increase testosterone and decrease cortisol, thereby improving hormonal balance and potentially reducing stress.