The effects of a resistance vs. an aerobic single session on attention and executive functioning in adults

Abstract

Evidence from recent studies showed that acute aerobic exercise results in improvements in different cognitive functions. The goal of this study was to assess the influence of acute bouts of aerobic versus resistance exercise on attention and executive function in adults. Thirty-nine physically active adults (age = 52±8 yr) served as participants. Each participant visited the laboratory four times: on the first visit participants performed a cognitive test (NeuroTrax) followed by an aerobic fitness assessment, as well as maximal strength test composed of six exercises. During visits 2–4, participants completed the cognitive test before and after the experimental condition, which consisted of either 25 min of aerobic exercise or resistance exercise, or watching a recorded interview show in a seated position (control condition). Findings indicated significantly higher changes in scores of attention after acute aerobic exercise (mean change 3.46, 95% CI -0.32, 7.27) than following the control condition (mean change -0.64, 95% CI -2.23, 0.96). The changes following resistance exercise (mean change -0.67, 95% CI -4.47, 3.13) were not significantly different from the changes following the control condition. Executive function scores showed a marginally significant improvement following acute aerobic (mean change 4.06, 95% CI 1.68, 6.44) and resistance exercise (mean change 3.69, 95% CI 0.78, 6.60), but not after control (mean change 0.91, 95% CI -1.21, 3.02). We suggest that adults should consider augmenting both modalities into their training routines, which may improve their cognition in addition to providing other physical benefits.

The Acute Effect of Exercise on Executive Function and Attention: Resistance Versus Aerobic Exercise

“…It is also interesting to note that, using a similar protocol but with a mixed group of middle-aged men and women, Dunsky et al (2017) found increased scores of attention following an aerobic exercise session on a treadmill, but not after a strength session. They also found only marginally significant improvement in executive function scores following both aerobic exercise and resistance exercise sessions.…”

“…For example, they provide ample evidence of specific effects of acute aerobic exercise on executive function (EF) and attention. Acute aerobic exercise is a one-session intervention, which may involve 25 min of treadmill or cycle exercise at a target heart rate of 60% of the heart rate reserve (Bullock & Giesbrecht, 2014;Dunsky et al, 2017;Netz et al, 2016;Tine, 2014;Zimmer et al, 2016). Importantly, acute aerobic exercise differs from acute resistance exercise in the immediate acute physiological responses, as well as in the long-term physiological adaptations (Knuttgen, 2007).…”

“…Recently, Dunsky et al (2017) examined the influence of acute aerobic versus resistance exercise session on attention and executive function in healthy middle-aged participants. Their main finding was that changes in attention scores following aerobic exercise were significantly higher than those following the control condition.…”

The effect of physical exercise on the memory of elderly - an intervention study

“…In addition to aerobic exercise, recent studies have shown that a neuromotor exercise program (eg endurance training) is inversely associated with long memory performance, although aerobic exercise has greater effects on brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF). It is extraordinarily speculated that neuromotor exercise may have a greater effect on neural survival and neurogenesis compared to the aerobic exercise program 20,21 . Therefore, both the aerobic exercise program and the Motriz, Rio Claro, v.25, Issue 4, 2019, e10190020 DOI: http://dx.doi.org /10.1590/s1980-6574201900040020 Original Article (short paper)…”

Resistance exercise and episodic memory function: a systematic review

“…What has yet to be comprehensively considered, however, is the extent to which acute and/or chronic muscle strengthening activities or resistance training are associated with episodic memory performance. Notably, emerging work suggests that aerobic physical activity and resistance exercises may have unique effects on various cognitive-related variables, such as attention and executive function (Marzolini et al, 2013;Dunsky et al, 2017;Northey et al, 2017). Although speculative, aerobic-based physical activity may have greater effects on brain-derived neurotropic growth factor, whereas resistance exercise may have a greater effect on insulin-like growth factor.…”