Exploring the Dose-Response Relationship between Acute Resistance Exercise Intensity and Cognitive Function

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Yu-Kai Chang (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jennifer Etnier

Abstract: The primary purpose of the present research was to explore the dose-response relationship between acute resistance exercise intensity and cognitive performance. A secondary purpose of this study was to use directly statistical techniques to explore the role of exercise-induced arousal as a mediator of the relationship. Sixty-eight participants were recruited and randomly assigned into rest, 40%, 70% or 100% of 10 repetition maximal (10-RM) groups. One-way ANOVA was computed for demographic variables and baseline measures, and regression analyses were computed to examine the effect of exercise intensity as well as exercise-induced arousal on cognitive performance. In addition, mediation analysis was applied to examine exercise-induced arousal as a mediator of this relationship. The results indicated that a 30-minute bout of resistance exercise has a positive impact on both information processing speed and executive function. Specifically, there is a significant linear relationship between exercise intensity and information processing speed. On the other hand, a significant quadratic trend for both exercise intensity and exercise-induced arousal was observed for executive function measures that assess inhibition, selective attention, working memory and attentional flexibility. Exercise-induced arousal was a significant mediator when tested using one of the heart-rate indexes and for one measure of executive function performance. Thus, an acute bout of resistance exercise benefits cognitive performance and there is a dose-response effect of both exercise intensity and exercise-induced arousal on cognitive performance. Future research should explore other potential mediators of the relationship to further our understanding of mechanisms.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Acute Exercise, Cognition, Cognitive Performance, Executive Function, Physical Activity, Resistance Exercise
Subjects
Cognition $x Effect of exercise on.
Cognition $x Physiological aspects.
Exercise $x Psychological aspects.

Email this document to