Research Corner - Q&A Dendrites and Balance Training by Steve Rhyan | Date Released : 21 Jul 2003 0 comments Print Close Question I heard somewhere that balancing (i.e. on one leg) promotes dendritic growth? Is this true and could you point me in the direction of some related articles? Answer Thanks for the question! If balance training does in fact stimulate dentrite growth, I am unaware of it. I could not find any information related to dendrite growth from any type of balance work. If you would like to take on the task of finding the information may I suggest looking in the professional journals in the neural and orthopedic area. This is where most of my time was spent to try and find an answer for you. However, here is some information that may help you get started understanding neural development and dendrites. The nervous system is an enormously complex network of connections. Most research related information deals with the developing nervous system, not the mature, well developed system. This may be one of the arguments for a well, constructed Physical Education course in young children and helping them finish their neural development with optimal results. As you probably know, the nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord (central nervous system) and the neural branches that run off the spine (peripheral nervous system) called cranial nerves and spinal nerves. These branches then “run out” to their terminal destination. The two nerve types consist of neurons & glial cells. Neurons transmit impulses and glial cells interact with the neurons. The picture below illustrates a neuron, you can see the cell body (the soma) has dendrites branching out, and an axon leads down to the terminal buttons. Dendrites “hook up” with other neurons and the network of information processing is formed. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. Each connection between dendrites & other neurons creates synapses for information to be processed through. You may have between neuron—neuron connections, neuron--muscle cell connections or neuron--gland (hormone secretion) connections. Where the dendrite hooks up with whatever type of cell, there forms a synapse. That junction has a small space between them, which is called the synaptic cleft. This area has many different types of chemicals that float through it. The chemicals are referred to as neural transmitters. Although I have not found the evidence for dendrite growth that you are referring to it does not mean it does not exist. The brain is very plastic. This means the brain has a great ability to adapt to different things; be it injury or training stimulus. The spinal cord & peripheral nervous system is less plastic as seen by nerve injuries. I am uncertain as to how dendrite growth plays a part in adaptability, but given time some of the red hot researchers in this area will let us know. Thanks for the question and good luck. Back to top About the author: Steve Rhyan Steve is a member of: National Strength and Conditioning Association American College of Sports Medicine American Society of Exercise Physiologists. <br><br> Steve has been an athlete, coach, teacher and trainer for over 20 years. Steve received his Undergraduate degree in Physical Education/ Biology and Graduate degree in Physiology of Exercise from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. He has taught from middle school to college and coached high school, college and professional athletes. <br><br> As an athlete, Steve was a professional moto-cross racer for 10 years. He was California State Champion several times, ranked in the top 10 Nationally and in the top 20 Internationally. Steve has also participated in the Decathlon, numerous Triathlons, several Fitness Challenges and won the Police Heptathlon in San Diego, CA. To better understand "Body-Power," Steve studied Kajukenbo(Hawiian Karate) for several years and received a Black Belt. He is pursuing an education in Kodokan Judo to further understand anaerobic conditioning and the application of strength, power and agility. As a coach he specializes in Moto-Cross Racing, Track & Field, Mountain Bike Racing and Surfing. <br><br> Steve is presently a part time lecturer in Exercise Science at Santa Ana College for the Police and Fire Services and is Director of Strength and Conditioning at Specialized Personal Training(SPT) in Mission Viejo, California. At SPT, he specializes in Sports Medicine and Fitness Training for all ages, but especially people over 40 years of age. One of Steve's clients won the female division of the Navy Seal Fitness Challenge, she is 50 years old! Steve has several articles on training for a Fitness Challenge published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. When he is not writing, studying, teaching or training you can find him, with his family, on the beach surfing. Aloha. <br><br> "I learn by going where I have to go." Theodore Roethke Full Author Details Related content Content from Steve Rhyan There is no related content. 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