Moderate aerobic exercise, but not anticipation of exercise, improves cognitive control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence suggests a single bout of exercise can improve cognitive control. However, many studies only include assessments after exercise. It is unclear whether exercise changes as a result, or in anticipation, of exercise.

Objective

To examine changes in cognitive control due to moderate aerobic exercise, and anticipation of such exercise.

Methods

Thirty-one young healthy adults (mean age 22 years; 55% women) completed three conditions (randomized order): 1) exercise (participants anticipated and completed exercise); 2) anticipation (participants anticipated exercise but completed rest); and 3) rest (participants anticipated and completed rest). Cognitive control was assessed with a modified Flanker task at three timepoints: (1) early (20 min pre-interventi

SUBMITTER: Bergelt M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7665798 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature