Avoiding sedentary behaviors requires more cortical resources than avoiding physical activity: An EEG study

Abstract

Why do individuals fail to exercise regularly despite knowledge of the risks associated with physical inactivity? Automatic processes regulating exercise behaviors may partly explain this paradox. Yet, these processes have only been investigated with behavioral outcomes (i.e., based on reaction times). Here, using electroencephalography, we investigated the cortical activity underlying automatic approach and avoidance tendencies toward stimuli depicting physical activity and sedentary behaviors in 29 young adults who were physically active or physically inactive but with the intention of becoming physically active. Behavioral results showed faster reactions when approaching physical activity compared to sedentary behaviors and when avoiding sedentary behaviors compared to physical activity. These faster reactions were more pronounced in physically active individuals and were associated with changes during sensory integration (earlier onset latency and larger positive deflection of the stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potentials) but not during motor preparation (no effect on the response-locked lateralized readiness potentials). Faster reactions when avoiding sedentary behaviors compared to physical activity were also associated with higher conflict monitoring (larger early and late N1 event-related potentials) and higher inhibition (larger N2 event-related potentials), irrespective of the usual level of physical activity. These results suggest that additional cortical resources were required to counteract an attraction to sedentary behaviors. Data and Materials [https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1169140]. Preprint [https://doi.org/10.1101/277988].

Age-related decline of cognitive resources precedes and explains the decline in physical activity

“…A potential explanation for these time-ordered associations is that cognitive resources are critical in counteracting a general tendency to minimize energetic expenditure and to engage in physical activity. [40][41][42] This explanation is supported by recent results showing that avoiding sedentary behavior opportunities are associated with higher brain activity in the frontal lobe. 41 The availability of cognitive resources supporting the engagement in physical activity may be particularly important in modern societies, where opportunities to adopt sedentary behaviors are ubiquitous.…”

“…Both the effect of inter-individual differences and intraindividual changes in cognitive resources were tested. Based on a recent theory contending that cognitive resources are required to counteract the attraction to energetic cost minimization, 17,41 thereby facilitating the engagement in physical activity, we hypothesized that lower cognitive resources (both inter-and intra-individual) are associated with less frequent engagement in physical activity (H1) and with a more pronounced decline of this engagement across aging (H2). We expected the decrease in cognitive resources to precede the decrease in physical activity (H3).…”

Physical Inactivity: A Behavioral Disorder in the Physical Therapist’s Scope of Practice

“…This suggestion was supported by findings of an electroencephalography study investigating the cortical activity underlying automatic approach and avoidance of physical activity and sedentary behaviors. 21 Results showed that avoiding sedentary behaviors (vs. physical activity) was associated with higher conflict monitoring and higher inhibition. These results suggest that the human brain is automatically attracted to sedentary behaviors and requires additional cortical resources to counteract this attraction.…”

“…Physical therapists should serve as primary educators regarding the idea that physical inactivity is a behavioral disorder resulting from multidimensional factors. Being aware of these factors, such as our automatic attraction to energetic cost minimization 13,21 , is the first step towards a more active lifestyle. For instance, greater awareness regarding physical inactivity can lead to the development of cognitive or environmental strategies to counteract this automatic attraction.…”

The Effect of Recreation in a Snow-Covered Forest Environment on the Psychological Wellbeing of Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Study

“…Increasing thinking capacity in a natural environment could be a natural adaptation to hunting or foraging. Perhaps restoration is a mechanism in humans predisposed to save calories [41], although this hypothesis requires further investigation.…”