Effect of Short-Duration Exercise Breaks on Cognitive Performance in University Students
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background:Previous research has demonstrated the acute cognitive and affective benefits of short bouts of physical activity, but there has been little investigation of the effects of such activity in the South Asian university student population. University students spend considerable time sitting, which can have detrimental effects on cognitive functioning, highlighting the need to examine the potential benefits of a brief exercise break as an academic strategy. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a 10-minute brisk walking bout on working memory, reaction time, and mood in university students. Methods:A crossover study experimental design was employed in this study at the Department of Physiology, Khyber Medical University. Thirty healthy students (15 males and 15 females), with a mean age of 22.4 ± 2.1 years, were recruited and performed two different conditions on separate days: 10 minutes of brisk walking and 10 minutes of resting in a seated position. Digit Span Forward and Backward working memory tasks were employed to test working memory, reaction time was tested using computer-based simple and complex reaction time tests, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was employed to test mood. Results:In addition, brisk walking was found to have a significant effect on working memory compared with seated rest. Digit Span Forward increased from 8.03 ± 1.21 to 9.13 ± 1.09, and Digit Span Backward from 6.10 ± 1.02 to 7.03 ± 1.14 after exercise (p < 0.001). Simple reaction time was improved from 284.6 ± 33.9 ms to 254.8 ± 31.2 ms and choice reaction time from 446.7 ± 43.5 ms to 405.1 ± 41.0 ms after exercise (p < 0.001). Positive Affect increased from 24.6 ± 5.2 to 30.1 ± 4.9 and Negative Affect decreased from 15.1 ± 4.4 to 13.4 ± 4.0 after brisk walking with little change after seated rest. Significant condition × time interactions were found for all outcomes. Conclusion:A brief 10-minute brisk walk has been observed to have immediate benefits on working memory, information processing, and mood in university students. This study provides further support to the implementation of short periods of exercise in the academic environment to boost cognitive and emotional well-being in students.
Institution: Bahria University
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7162005604