TDNet Discover

Objective: Assess if there is a specific duration, mode, and intensity of exercise that will optimally impact cognitive performance in healthy adults. Design: Evidence based medicine systematic literature review and evaluation from 2007 to 2018. Methods: Articles were found via databases searched through PubMed utilizing the search terms “exercise”, “aerobic exercise”, “physical activity” paired with search terms “cognitive performance” and “cognitive enhancement”. The database search was limited to full text articles that have been published within the last eleven years. Studies were excluded if they had participants with known mental or physical disabilities, as well as studies with a combination of exercise and other health interventions. Suitable articles included acute and chronic exercise routines, individuals with no known health problems, and focused on those from 18 to 55 years of age. Data analyzed included varying times and intensity of exercise and varying cognitive performance endpoints such as accuracy, task changing, and memory tasks. Results: Three articles that met search, inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The objective, study design, and findings of the three articles were discussed and reviewed based on each study’s strengths and limitations. Conclusion: Based on the results drawn from the research, it is conclusive that aerobic exercise impacts cognitive enhancement. The review of the three articles found acute moderate intensity exercise bouts lasting 30 minutes in duration had a generalized effect on cognition and high intensity interval training resulted in quicker response times, higher levels of attention, and increased accuracy in executive function tasks.