Effects of a maximal exercise test on neurocognitive function

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effects of a maximal exercise test on cognitive function in recreational athletes. Design: A repeated-measures design was used to compare baseline with post-cognitive function and fatigue symptoms after a maximal exercise test. Setting: Division 1 American Midwestern University, (Michigan State University, Michigan, USA). Participants: 102 male and female recreational athletes. Intervention: Participants in the experimental group (n = 54) were asked to perform a maximal treadmill exercise test to maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max). Participants in the control group were asked to rest for 15 min. Main outcome measurements: All participants were administered a neuropsychological test battery called Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) before and after exercise to measure neurocognitive function and fatigue symptoms. Results: Results revealed a significant group (control, experimental)6time (baseline, post-test 1, post-test 2) interaction for verbal memory composite scores (p = 0.025). Specifically, verbal memory composite scores decreased in the experimental group from baseline to post-test 1 (p = 0.00). These values returned to baseline 3 days after the VO 2 max test (p = 0.00). Further analysis on verbal memory composite scores demonstrated significant differences on immediate recall memory (p = 0.00) and delayed recall memory (p = 0.00). No significant differences were observed for visual memory (p = 0.54), motor processing speed (p = 0.68) and reaction time (p = 0.44) composite scores between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a maximal exercise test attenuated a limiting effect on cognitive function. When utilising a neuropsychological test battery to evaluate a patient who has sustained a head injury, the test should not be administered immediately after a practice or a game session.

Relationship of soccer heading to computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms among female and male youth soccer players

“…Participants completed the ImPACT test in approximately 25-40 min. All testing was conducted at a designated time prior to the final practice of the season, to avoid potential exertion effects on computerized neurocognitive testing reported in the literature [33]. Prior to collecting the ImPACT and symptom data, the researchers recorded heading data for each player at two randomly selected practices and games to determine heading exposures per practice and game for each player.…”

Defining asymptomatic status following sports concussion: fact or fallacy?

“…It is challenging to set a cut-off score following a period of physical exertion, whether it is game related or part of an exercise provocation protocol, as Symptom Scores can be significantly influenced by the intensity and fatiguing effects of exercise 77 89. This can be addressed by the development of a standardised exercise protocol which models the internationally recommended RTP protocol.…”

Prevalence of Neurocognitive and Balance Deficits in Collegiate Football Players Without Clinically Diagnosed Concussion

“…This is important, because the literature has identified that alertness at the time of testing, intensity of exercise, and sport may have an effect on testing. 5,11 Although the authors attempted to have testing performed at a similar time and under similar testing conditions, none of the variables were controlled for and need to be acknowledged as such. Fourth, our study did not utilize a control group, which might have limited the significance of the findings.…”