Does Acute Aerobic Exercise Improve Executive Functioning?

Research has suggested that exercise may impact executive functioning, though results are inconsistent. This study examined whether acute aerobic exercise improves performance on either inhibitory control or updating tasks or both. Using a 2x2 design, participants were randomly assigned to an exercise (stationary bike) or no-exercise (reading) control condition and completed inhibitory control (Stroop Squared, Flanker Squared, Simon Squared) and updating tasks (Picture Span, Rotation Span, Mental Counters) before and after their assigned activity. The exercise group rode a stationary bike for 15 minutes at 50%-59% of their maximum heart rate, and waited for 15 minutes before completing tasks. The no-exercise group read magazines for 30 minutes. While improvements were observed on inhibitory control and updating tasks from before to after the activity, no significant differences were found between exercise and control conditions.

Author dc:creator

• Michael Cervantes (23291398)

• Psychology
• Cognitive

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.31451167.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31451167