An acute bout of localized resistance exercise can rapidly improve inhibitory control

Abstract

The positive effect of acute resistance exercise on executive function, such as inhibitory control (IC), is poorly understood. Several previous studies have demonstrated this effect using whole-body resistance exercise. However, it remains unclear whether localized resistance exercise performed using only limited muscle groups could also acutely improve IC. Thus, the present study examined the effect of an acute bout of localized resistance exercise on IC. Twelve healthy men performed a color-word Stroop task (CWST) before and immediately after the experimental conditions, which consisted of 2 resistance exercises and a resting control (CON). Bilateral knee extension was used to create 2 resistance exercise conditions: light-intensity resistance exercise (LRE) and high-intensity resistance exercise (HRE) conditions, which were 40% and 80% of one-repetition maximum, respectively. The resistance exercise session was programmed for 6 sets with 10 repetitions per set. The CWST-measured IC was significantly improved immediately after both LRE and HRE, but it did not improve immediately after CON. However, the improved IC was significantly greater in HRE than in LRE. The present findings showed that IC could be rapidly improved by an acute bout of localized resistance exercise, especially with high-intensity. Therefore, we suggest that in addition to whole-body resistance exercise, localized resistance exercise performed using limited muscle groups may be sufficient for improving IC.

Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive outcomes and academic performance in adolescents and young adults: A meta-analysis

“…In total 71 papers were eligible for this review and meta-analysis. Overall, 44 studies (Aguirre-Loaiza et al, 2019;Akatsuka et al, 2015;Basso et al, 2015;Benzing et al, 2016;Browne et al, 2016;Budde et al, 2010Budde et al, , 2008Chang & Etnier, 2009;Chang et al, 2011;Coles & Tomporowski, 2008;Cooper et al, 2016Cooper et al, , 2012ÉW et al, 2011;Guzmán & López-García, 2016;Hwang et al, 2016;Hwang & Lu, 2018;Jaffery et al, 2018;Lambourne, 2012;Lambourne et al, 2010;Mezcua-Hidalgo et al, 2019;Moore et al, 2012;Murray & Russoniello, 2012;Palmiere et al, 2018;Peruyero et al, 2017;Pontifex et al, 2009;Prashanth, 2020;Du Rietz et al, 2019;Schwarck et al, 2019;Sipavičienė et al, 2012;Sperlich et al, 2018;Takahashi et al, 2019;Tine, 2014;Tine & Butler, 2012;Tsai et al, 2014Tsai et al, , 2016Tsorbatzoudis et al, 1998;Tsukamoto et al, 2017;Van den Berg et al, 2018;Vonk et al, 2019;Wang et al, 201...…”

Does squatting need attention?—A dual-task study on cognitive resources in resistance exercise

“…In each condition, five sets were conducted and in DT the load of the barbell was set to of 40% of 1-RM. We choose 40% of 1-RM because it was shown that even this low load leads to cognitive improvements [27]. As cognitive task, we used the serial subtraction of 7's from a three-digit number [28].…”

Strengthening the Brain—Is Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction an Effective Strategy for Cognitive Improvement?

“…(3) On the behavioral/socioemotional level, established questionnaires such as “Felt Arousal Scale” [ 261 ], “Ratings of perceived exertion” [ 262 ], “Visual Analogue Scales” (e.g., to assess motivation or mental fatigue) [ 172 , 263 , 264 , 265 ], “SF-36” (to assess physical and mental components of the quality of life) [ 266 ] and “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (to assess various components of the sleep quality) [ 267 ] which are widely used in exercise–research with a neuropsychological and behavioral/socioemotional focus [ 141 , 172 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 268 , 269 ], should be used to elucidate the (moderating) effects of socioemotional states.…”