Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(1): 82-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924027
Behavioral Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of a Single Aerobic Training Session on Cognitive Flexibility in Late Middle-Aged Adults

Y. Netz1 , R. Tomer2 , S. Axelrad1 , E. Argov1 , O. Inbar1
  • 1The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netania, Israel
  • 2Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: February 6, 2006

Publication Date:
17 August 2006 (online)

Abstract

Research has shown that aerobic exercise enhances cognitive function, specifically executive functions. This study examines the effect of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive flexibility - an executive function - in late middle-aged individuals. Fourteen men and 45 women aged 50 - 64, were randomly assigned to moderate exercise (60 % of heart rate reserve), moderately-intense (70 % of heart rate reserve) exercise, and movie-watching control groups after a maximal exercise test. Prior to and following the exercise or control sessions participants performed two cognitive tasks: the Alternate Uses assessing cognitive flexibility and the Digit Span Forward subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised assessing attention span. Results indicated significant improvement in Alternate Uses in the exercise groups but not in the control group. No group differences were indicated on the Digit Span. These results provide partial support for the benefit of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive flexibility.

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Ph.D. Head Yael Netz

School of Exercise and Sport Sciences
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Wingate Institute 42902

Netania

Israel

Phone: + 97298639361

Fax: + 97 2 98 65 09 60

Email: neyael@wincol.ac.il

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