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Differential effects of physical activity on behavioral and prefrontal responses during repetitive inhibitory control in older adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity levels on response time and prefrontal activation during repetitive performance of the Stroop task in older adults. Methods We examined how physical activity influences selective inhibition and neurophysiological responses in the prefrontal cortex. Community-dwelling adults aged 65–85 years were classified into physically active (PA, n = 18) and physically inactive (PI, n = 19) groups using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). On a single experimental day, participants completed the Stroop task in three consecutive blocks within one session. Participants completed the Stroop task three times. Reaction time and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) levels in the prefrontal cortex were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and analyzed by the Brodmann area. Results A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant time, group, and interaction effects on reaction time ( p < 0.05). The PA group showed a significant decrease in reaction time across repetitions ( p < 0.001), whereas no such change was observed in the PI group. In terms of brain activation, HbO levels increased significantly over time in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex ( p < 0.05), although no significant group differences were observed. Conclusion Regular physical activity may enhance cognitive adaptability and selective inhibition in older adults. Behavioral improvements were more evident than neural differences between the groups, highlighting the potential of everyday physical activity to support cognitive resilience in aging. This study provides neurophysiological evidence supporting the integration of physical activity into cognitive intervention strategies for older populations.

Source: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2025.1684331

Authors: Jae-Hoon Lee, Minchul Lee, Min-Seong Ha

Institutions: University of Seoul, CHA University

Language: English

Topic: Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801