Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: When external stimuli cause a physiological response associated with arousal (increased adrenaline and cortisol), human memory is improved. Limited evidence suggests that exercise, a potent physiological stress, can improve memory as well. Consequently, this study aimed to further examine the exercise intensity-induced enhancement in memory and the relative timing of stimulus presentation on this phenomenon. 28 young adults were divided into 3 groups: viewing images before exercise (TG1), viewing images immediately after exercise (TG2) and viewing images 30 minutes post exercise (TG3). Each participant completed either rest, low (40% of VO2peak), moderate (60% of VO2peak), or high intensity (80% of VO2peak) cycle ergometry on separate days as the exercise stress. Correctly recalled images 45min after presentation were observed for memory. No significant differences were found between exercise intensities or timing groups (p >0.05). However, further research is required to establish exercise as a method to improve memory at longer periods.
Author: Alex Pennetti
Institution: University of Windsor
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2321253865