Effects of acute exercise & cognition

Abstract

Background: Recent research has shown that the effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance are predominantly small, however, larger effects are possible for specific cognitive outcomes and when particular exercise parameters are utilized (Chang et al., 2012). Thus, researching on these specific factors could help in creating a more effective relationship between acute exercise and cognitive performance. Objective: To examine and compare the effects of exercise and no exercise on cognition in university students. Design: Cross-sectional and within subject experimental design. Methods: Fourteen university students (24.2 ± 1.4 years old) completed a bout of exercise (multi-stage fitness test according to their individualized moderate intensity heart rate maximum range; exercise trial) and video watching (resting trial) which were scheduled at least 7 days apart. Two cognitive function tests (Stroop task and Sternberg memory task) were completed within 11 to 20 minutes before and after both the exercise and rest trials. Results: Participants performed better in the post Stroop rest trial as compared to the post Stroop exercise trial (F = 3.033, p = 0.105). Similarly, for post Sternberg rest trial, performance was better than the post Sternberg exercise trial (F = 2.844, p = 0.116). Hence, the results are statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that participants had better cognitive performance during the rest trial as compared to the exercise trial. Therefore, there was greater effect between resting and cognitive performance as compared to exercise. Keywords: acute exercise, cognition, stroop test, moderate intensity, sternberg test