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THE EFFECTS OF ACUTE AEROBIC VS ACUTE RESISTANCE EXERCISE ON COGNITION

Abstract

Madelyn Jennings, Gina Jones, Rebecca Rogers, Tyler Williams, Christopher Ballmann, FACSM, Mallory Marshall, Justin Moody. Samford University, Birmingham, AL.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to increase memory through increases in brain-derived neurotropic factors (BDNF’s), P300 components, exercise-induced arousal, and catecholamines. Although there have been previous studies on exercise, the research on acute exercise is still lacking. Resistance exercise has shown to improve immediate recall and cognition. Similarly, aerobic exercise has shown increases in neurological factors related to memory and cognition. Although the benefits of exercise are well documents, the differences in the immediate effects of aerobic versus anaerobic exercise are largely unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the differences in cognitive performance following acute aerobic and anaerobic exercise. METHODS: Twelve college-aged females, ages 18-22, completed a 7-set, 60 image Stroop Test pre- and post-exercise to assess cognitive function. Anaerobic exercises included 3 sets of 12 repetitions at 60% of their 10-repitition maximum on the Lat Pulldown and Seated Leg extension. The aerobic exercise included a 15-minute treadmill run at 60% of age-predicted heart rate maximum. RESULTS: No differences were found between exercise types and cognition (p>0.05). However, a practice effect was found between the first and last pre-exercise Stroop Test (p<0.05) and pre- and post-exercise (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Previous research has shown the neurocognitive benefits of exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic. The current study confirmed this exercise-dependent improvement in cognitive function. Moreover, the current study suggests that acute exercise, regardless of modality, aids in improving cognition.

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