Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Introduction
- Cognitive Domains1
- Complex Attention
- Executive Function
- Language
- Social Cognition
- Learning & Memory
- Perceptual-Motor Control
- Aerobic exercise has been shown to change:
- ↑ Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)2
- ↑ Cortisol, lactic acid, glutamate, and glutamine2,3,4
- EEG, fMRI, and TMS
- Correlates with ↑ working memory5,6
- ↓ Reaction time7
- ↑ Overall health8
- Long-term can alter neurochemicals and have positive impacts on cognitive domains7,8
Purpose
- The purpose of this study is to identify if an acute, single bout of aerobic exercise at moderate intensity is sufficient to elicit a change in cognition, particularly reaction time and working memory.
Methods
- Reaction Time Index (RTI)
- Spatial Working Memory (SWM)
- Statistical analysis via Mann-Whitney U
Results
- There were no significant difference between exercise group and control group Reaction Time Index or Spatial Working Memory test outcome measures (p>0.05).
- Median time, error, and strategy scores reported above with standard deviation bars for each population.
Limitations
- BDNF levels fluctuate throughout the day, possibly interfering with our results.9
- The SWM may require multiple cognitive domains to complete efficiently.
- Power Analysis: at least 23 total participants would have been required to identify any statistically significant differences.
Conclusions
- No significant effect on reaction time or spatial working memory.
- Exposure to different external stimuli during the 12-Minute Cooper Run Test might have influenced participant’s performance.
- Future studies should be conducted on a larger scale to account for power analysis and should utilize different working memory tests
Recommended Citation
Lojovich, Jeanne PT, PhD; Abouelnaga, N; Gjersvik, G; Kaari, V; Karls, K; and Sund, S, "Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Reaction Time and Working Memory in Healthy Adults" (2024). DPT Capstone Posters. 32.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/32