Exploring the relationship between exercise-induced arousal and cognition using fractionated response time

Psychomotor Performance after 30 h of Sleep Deprivation Combined with Exercise

Sleep deprivation (SD) usually impairs psychomotor performance, but most experiments are usually focused on sedentary conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of 30 h of complete SD combined with prolonged, moderate exercise (SDE) on human psychomotor performance. Eleven endurance-trained men accustomed to overnight exertion were tested twice: in well-slept and non-fatigued conditions (Control) and immediately after 30 h of SDE. They performed a multiple-choice reaction time test (MCRT) at rest and during each workload of the graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion. At rest, the MCRT was shorter after SDE than in the Control (300 ± 13 ms vs. 339 ± 11 ms, respectively, p < 0.05). During graded exercise, there were no significant differences in MCRT between groups, but the fastest reaction was observed at lower workloads after SDE (158 ± 7 W vs. 187 ± 11 W in Control, p < 0.05). The total number of missed reactions tended to be higher after SDE (8.4 ± 0.7 vs. 6.3 ± 0.8 in Control, p = 0.06). In conclusion, SDE is different from SD alone; however, well-trained men, accustomed to overnight exertion can maintain psychomotor abilities independently of the extent of central fatigue. Exercise can be used to enhance psychomotor performance in sleep-deprived subjects in whom special caution is required in order to avoid overload.

Effects of a single dose of tablets containing lactononadecapeptide on cognitive function in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial

Lactononadecapeptide (LNDP; NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) is a memory-improving peptide. The current study aimed to determine the effects of a single dose of tablets containing LNDP on cognitive function in healthy Japanese men aged 30-59 years. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in participants randomly assigned to receive LNDP or placebo tablets. The Uchida-Kraepelin test was used to induce cognitive load in participants as a model of work load. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Japanese version of the CNS Vital Signs. Composite memory and verbal memory were significantly higher following consumption of LNDP than placebo tablets. Carryover effects were observed in attention and concentration domains so that period 1 data was analyzed. LNDP consumption led to higher processing speed, executive function, and cognitive flexibility than placebo. Thus, supplementation with a single dose of LNDP tablets may improve cognitive functions including memory, attention, concentration, and information processing in daily life.

The Compounding Effect of Investors’ Cognition and Risk Absorption Potential on Enhancing the Level of Interest towards Investment in the Domestic Capital Market

It is eminent to understand, be aware of and encourage domestic retail investors towards investment in the capital market in a developing economy such as India for tackling the situation of capital insufficiency and financial instability. Therefore, the study was purposed to find out the different dimensions of cognition that affect investment attitude and the different characteristics of risk absorption affecting the investment decision making. The study also intended to find the direct and the mediating impact of investors’ cognition directly and through risk-absorption scenarios on the level of interest on investment. The study used the causative research design and by using stratified random sampling, received 392 responses from investors with risk-absorption characteristics from four strata of Odisha (a state of India) through a self-constructed questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to find out the factor of cognition and risk absorption. Multiple linear regression was used to find out the effect of both factors of cognition and risk absorption on the intensity of purchase financial product or level of interest in investment. Mediation analysis was used to find the mediating impact showing the direct and indirect impact of cognition on interest in investment and through the factors risk absorption. The study found that the dimensions of cognition (hot, cold, social and meta) have a significant impact on the level of interest towards investment, so financial product sellers must use these dimensions and sources of cognition to bring up interest from the domestic investor to invest in the domestic capital market. It has also been found that the risk-absorption characteristics play a mediating and vital role in the relation between investors’ cognition and level of interest in investment. Therefore, it is imperative to uplift the risk-absorption capacity through different dimensions of cognition and sources of information, which can reflect in a better understanding of the market and investment scenarios.

The Effects of Acute Exercise on Driving and Executive Functions in Healthy Older Adults

The benefits of exercise on cognitive functioning in older adults are well recognized. One limitation of the current literature is that researchers have almost exclusively relied on well-controlled laboratory tasks to assess cognition. Moreover, the effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise in older adults have received limited attention. The proposed study addresses these limitations by assessing the effects of a single bout of exercise on a more ecologically valid task - driving. Seventy-one participants (M _age = 66.39 ± 4.70 years) were randomly allocated to 20min cycling at moderate intensity or sitting and watching driving videos. Participants were then tested on their driving performance using a driving simulator. Driving performance was measured with three different scenarios assessing decision making, driving errors, reaction time, and attention. On a subsequent session, all participants were tested on executive functioning before and after a fitness test. Non-significant effects of exercise were observed on driving performance. However, participants performed better on the Trail Making Test (Cohen's d = 0.25) and Stroop test (d = 0.50) after the fitness test compared to their baseline. These results suggest that post-exercise cognitive improvements do not transfer to improved driving performance among healthy older adults. This study also highlights the importance of assessing expectations as a possible moderator of the effects of acute exercise on activities of daily living. Future studies must examine other relevant ecologically valid tasks and ensure similar expectations between experimental and control groups to further advance the knowledge base in the field.

Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Attention and Memory Performance: An Investigation on Duration-Based Dose-Response Relations and the Impact of Increased Arousal Levels

Current evidence indicates that acute aerobic exercise might increase domain-specific cognitive performance. However, only a small number of studies deduced the impact on lower and higher cognitive functions systematically or analyzed dose-response relationships and the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to expose the dose-response relationships by investigating the influence of exercise duration on subjective and objective arousal, cognitive attention and visual recognition memory tasks. Nineteen participants (eight female; 25.69 ± 3.11 years) were included in a randomized, three-armed intervention study in a cross-over design. The participants completed three different interventions consisting of either 15, 30 or 45 min of cycling at 60-70% VO₂max. Arousal and cognitive measurements were taken before and immediately after (<2 min) exercise. All three interventions led to significant but comparable effects on self-perceived arousal, heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant effects of exercise duration on visual recognition memory accuracy. Reaction times for higher and lower cognitive tasks did not change after exercise. Fifteen minutes of aerobic exercise was feasible to induce beneficial changes in self-perceived arousal. Processing speed of visual recognition memory and attention remained unaltered. Exercise exceeding fifteen minutes seemed to negatively impact visual recognition memory accuracy.

Similar changes in executive function after moderate resistance training and loadless movement

Growing evidence suggests that physical exercise may improve cognitive function in the short- and long-term. Aerobic exercise has been studied most extensively. Preliminary work suggests that resistance training also improves cognitive function, particularly executive function. Conversely, most studies found little dose-effect by intensity. Consequently, cognitive benefits may be elicited, at least in part, by the movement rather than the physical exertion of resistance training. The objective here was to examine and compare acute changes in executive function after resistance training and a loadless movement control among young, healthy adults. Twenty-two young healthy adults (mean age 23.4 years [2.4]; 50% female) completed three conditions, a baseline condition and two experimental conditions (moderate intensity resistance training, loadless movement control). Participants completed a computerized modified Stroop task with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) before and 10, 20, 30, and 40min after each intervention. Outcomes (incongruent and congruent response time, accuracy, EEG P3 amplitude and latency) were analyzed using mixed linear regression models (factors: condition, time, condition*time). There was a main effect of time for Stroop response time (F_4,84 = 3.94, p = 0.006 and F_4,84 = 10.27, p<0.0001 respectively) and incongruent and congruent P3 amplitude (F_4,76 = 4.40, p = 0.003 and F_4,76 = 5.09, p = 0.001 respectively). Post-hoc analyses indicated that both incongruent and congruent P3 amplitude were elevated at time points up to and including 40min after the interventions (compared to pre-intervention, p<0.05). Both incongruent and congruent response times were faster at 10min post-intervention than pre-intervention (p<0.04). There was no main effect of condition or interaction between condition and time for either outcome (p≥0.53). Similar improvements in executive function were observed after loadless movement and resistance training, suggesting that movement is at least partially responsible for the benefits to executive function. Future research should continue to probe the influence of movement versus physical exertion in resistance training by including a movement and non-movement control.

An acute bout of aerobic exercise reduces movement time in a Fitts' task

Movement time (MT) is one of the most important variables influencing the way we control our movements. A few previous studies have generally found that MT reduces with reaction time testing during exercise. However, limited evidence exists concerning change in MT following an acute bout of exercise. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on movement time as assessed by a Fitts’ Law task. We also sought to determine if exercise would further lower MT during the more difficult task conditions compared with rest. Nineteen (12 male, 7 female) volunteers (19–28 yrs) completed a computerized paired serial pointing task to measure movement time before and after rest (R) and an acute bout of moderate aerobic exercise (E) using a within subjects crossover design. Comparisons between exercise and rest conditions were made to determine if there were differences in movement time. Exercise significantly reduced MT compared with rest. Movement time was reduced by an average of 208 ms following exercise compared with 108 ms following rest. Exercise did not further lower MT during the more difficult task conditions. These results suggest that an acute bout of aerobic exercise reduces movement time which is an important component of motor control. Further studies are needed to determine the duration of the effect as well as the optimum duration and intensity of exercise.

The effects of a resistance vs. an aerobic single session on attention and executive functioning in adults

Evidence from recent studies showed that acute aerobic exercise results in improvements in different cognitive functions. The goal of this study was to assess the influence of acute bouts of aerobic versus resistance exercise on attention and executive function in adults. Thirty-nine physically active adults (age = 52±8 yr) served as participants. Each participant visited the laboratory four times: on the first visit participants performed a cognitive test (NeuroTrax) followed by an aerobic fitness assessment, as well as maximal strength test composed of six exercises. During visits 2-4, participants completed the cognitive test before and after the experimental condition, which consisted of either 25 min of aerobic exercise or resistance exercise, or watching a recorded interview show in a seated position (control condition). Findings indicated significantly higher changes in scores of attention after acute aerobic exercise (mean change 3.46, 95% CI -0.32, 7.27) than following the control condition (mean change -0.64, 95% CI -2.23, 0.96). The changes following resistance exercise (mean change -0.67, 95% CI -4.47, 3.13) were not significantly different from the changes following the control condition. Executive function scores showed a marginally significant improvement following acute aerobic (mean change 4.06, 95% CI 1.68, 6.44) and resistance exercise (mean change 3.69, 95% CI 0.78, 6.60), but not after control (mean change 0.91, 95% CI -1.21, 3.02). We suggest that adults should consider augmenting both modalities into their training routines, which may improve their cognition in addition to providing other physical benefits.

Repetitive daily point of choice prompts and occupational sit-stand transfers, concentration and neuromuscular performance in office workers: an RCT

Objective: Prolonged office sitting time adversely affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular health parameters. As a consequence, the present study investigated the effects of prompting the use of height-adjustable working desk (HAWD) on occupational sitting and standing time, neuromuscular outcomes and concentration in office workers. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with parallel group design was conducted. Thirty-eight office workers were supplied with HAWDs and randomly assigned (Strata: physical activity (PA), BMI, gender, workload) to a prompt (INT) or non-prompt (CON) group. INT received three daily screen-based prompts within 12 weeks. CON was only instructed once concerning the benefits of using HAWDs prior to the start of the study. Sitting and standing times were objectively assessed as primary outcomes for one entire working week using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT at baseline (pre), after 6 (mid) and 12 weeks (post). Concentration (d2-test), postural sway during upright stance (under single, dual and triple task) and lower limb strength endurance (heel-rise) were collected as secondary outcomes. Results: With large but not statistically significant within group effects from pre to post, INT increased weekly standing time at work by 9% (p = 0.22, d = 0.8) representing an increase from 7.2 h (4.8) to 9.7 (6.6) h (p = 0.07). Concentration and neuromuscular performance did not change from pre to post testing (0.23 < p < 0.95; 0.001 < η_p² < 0.05). Conclusion: Low-frequent and low cost screen-based point of choice prompts (3 per day within 12 weeks) already result in notable increases of occupational standing time of approx. daily 30 min. These stimuli, however, did not relevantly affect neuromuscular outcomes.  

Effects of acute resistance exercise on cognition in late middle-aged adults: general or specific cognitive improvement?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of acute resistance exercise on multiple cognitive measures in late middle-aged adults and to address the question of whether general or selective cognitive improvements occur.

DESIGN

A counterbalanced repeated-measures experimental design.

METHODS

Thirty adults (mean age=58.1 ± 3.0 years) were administered five different Stroop test conditions before and after a single bout of resistance exercise and after a no-treatment control. The resistance exercise protocol involved two sets of seven exercises performed at 70% of a 10-repetition maximum, with 30 and 60 s between each set and each exercise, respectively.

RESULTS

The exercise treatment resulted in significantly enhanced performance across all Stroop conditions when compared with the control (p<.001). Furthermore, the effect of the exercise treatment on Stroop incongruent performance corresponded to the largest positive influence compared to the performance observed under the other four Stroop test conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings extend the current knowledge base by demonstrating that acute resistance exercise facilitates general cognition but has a more beneficial effect on cognition that involves executive control.

The effect of branched chain amino acids on psychomotor performance during treadmill exercise of changing intensity simulating a soccer game

The present study was designed to determine changes in the multiple-choice reaction time (MRT) during treadmill running simulating locomotor activity during a soccer game and to examine the effect of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) ingestion on psychomotor performance during the effort. Ten male soccer players were submitted to BCAA and placebo trials at 1-week intervals in a randomized order. BCAA (7 g) or placebo were given 1 h before exercise in a double blind manner. The running test consisted of two 45 min exercise bouts separated by a 15-min passive rest period and the whole test ended with 20-min active recovery. Running-walking speed changed from 0 to 6.4 m·s⁻¹ according to the time-motion analysis of soccer match. During the test, blood samples were taken for lactate, glucose, free fatty acid, and catecholamine determination. Following placebo treatment, MRT shortened from 320 ± 18 to 271 ± 11 ms (p < 0.001) during the first exercise bout then it increased during the resting break to 303 ± 138 ms (p < 0.05). During the second bout, MRT decreased to 280 ± 13 ms (p < 0.001). During active recovery, further shortening of MRT was noted. During BCAA trial, MRT was shorter than during placebo trial by ~10% (p < 0.05) before and during exercise. No significant differences were found between BCAA and placebo trials in biochemical indices. It is concluded that BCAA supplementation might be recommended in sport activities that change in intensity and require quick responses to external signals (e.g., soccer and other team games).

Physical activity and cognition in older adults: the potential of Tai Chi Chuan

The purpose of this article is to review the potential of Tai Chi Chuan as a mode of physical activity that could have cognitive benefits for older adults and to provide potential directions for future research. A brief introduction to Tai Chi Chuan and its related physical benefits is provided. In addition, the empirical literature related to Tai Chi Chuan and cognition is reviewed. Potential mediators of the relationship between Tai Chi Chuan and cognition, including physical resources, disease status, and mental resources, are discussed. Based on the limitations of the extant literature, it is argued that future research in this area must provide more detailed descriptions of Tai Chi Chuan, particularly in terms of intensity and program progression. Consideration of the specific type of cognition that is expected to benefit is also encouraged, and approaches for further efforts to understand how Tai Chi Chuan affects cognition are recommended.

The effect of exercise-induced arousal on cognitive task performance: a meta-regression analysis

The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance were examined using meta-analytic techniques. The overall mean effect size was dependent on the timing of cognitive assessment. During exercise, cognitive task performance was impaired by a mean effect of -0.14. However, impairments were only observed during the first 20min of exercise. Otherwise, exercise-induced arousal enhanced performance on tasks that involved rapid decisions and automatized behaviors. Following exercise, cognitive task performance improved by a mean effect of 0.20. Arousal continued to facilitate speeded mental processes and also enhanced memory storage and retrieval. Positive effects were observed following exercise regardless of whether the study protocol was designed to measure the effects of steady-state exercise, fatiguing exercise, or the inverted-U hypothesis. Finally, cognitive performance was affected differentially by exercise mode. Cycling was associated with enhanced performance during and after exercise, whereas treadmill running led to impaired performance during exercise and a small improvement in performance following exercise. These results are indicative of the complex relation between exercise and cognition. Cognitive performance may be enhanced or impaired depending on when it is measured, the type of cognitive task selected, and the type of exercise performed.