The effects of single bouts of moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval exercise on the modulations of inhibitory control, working memory, and long-term memory

Although existing literature has suggested facilitation on various aspects of cognitive function during the recovery period following a single bout of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), little is known regarding how to optimize the prescription of acute exercise for maximizing its transient benefits on cognition. High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is growing in popularity as a mode of exercise known for its effectiveness and efficiency toward improving multiple health outcomes. However, a limited understanding exists regarding the transient effects of HIIE on post-exercise cognition compared to MICE. Accordingly, the aim of this investigation was to compare the effect of acute HIIE and MICE on inhibitory control, working memory, and long-term memory. Using a within-participants design, event-related potentials (ERPs) and task performance were assessed while participants performed a free recall task, a modified flanker task, and a modified Sternberg task following 20 minutes of seated rest, MICE, and HIIE on three separate days in counterbalanced order. Following both MICE and HIIE, participants recalled more words in the free recall list and exhibited shorter reaction time during the flanker task relative to the rest condition. HIIE resulted in additional facilitation, as indexed by reduced reaction time interference scores during the flanker task and reduced overall reaction time during the Sternberg task relative to rest. Neuroelectric analysis indicated that MICE increased P3 amplitude compared to rest and HIIE, while HIIE decreased P3 latency relative to rest. CNV was unchanged following MICE compared to rest, while HIIE increased initial CNV amplitude relative to rest. These results suggest that both types of exercise may improve cognitive performance, with HIIE having additional benefits relative to MICE. To support inhibitory control and working memory operations, MICE and HIIE may exert differential influences on brain function, with MICE increasing attentional resource allocation and HIIE improving stimulus identification and cognitive processing speed. Taken together, the findings of the present investigation demonstrate transient facilitating effects on cognition following acute bouts of MICE and HIIT, and provide preliminary evidence to support HIIE as a promising alternative approach for enhancing cognitive performance.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Kao, Shih-Chun

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hillman, Charles
• McAuley, Edward
• Petruzzello, Steven
• Khan, Naiman

• Acute exercise
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Cognitive control
• Memory
• P3
• Contingent negative variation (CNV)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Shih-Chun Kao

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/98330

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/98330