The effects of exercise and two pre-exercise fluid amounts on cognition

Abstract

Backes, T., Horvath, P.J., & Kazial, K. (2015). Effects of the exercise in the cerebral blood flow and metabolism. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 10(2), pp.615-622. Exercise is associated with elevated mood states and arousal. Observational studies support the claim that exercise can help individuals think more "clearly' with reports of improved mood and feelings of psychological well-being following exercise. However, laboratory studies have produced equivocal results. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of exercise intensity and two likely pre-exercise fluid amounts consumed by euhydrated athletes on cognitive performance. Fifteen college age students were randomly assigned to either a 150 ml or a 500 ml fluid condition on the first test day and received the other fluid condition on the second test day. Prior to exercise subjects completed baseline computerized cognitive tests then began a treadmill protocol of three 6 min stages at increasing intensity after which subjects completed cognitive tests. A second treadmill portion started at 7.5 mph for 2 min then speed was increased 0.5 mph every 30 s until voluntary exhaustion and final cognitive testing was completed. Our results demonstrate a facilitation of cognitive function in response to exercise with the exception of the match to sample cognitive test which showed lack of facilitation of cognition in the 500 ml condition at moderate exercise. Our research contributes to the growing field of exercise and its effects on cognition. Specifically working memory cognitive tests showed facilitation with exercise. These results may be applicable to a typical exercising population since our study included a common exercise mode (treadmill) at moderate and high intensities and likely fluid amounts.

Effect of Water Supplementation on Cognitive Performances and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, paradoxically, Neave et al and Benton et al demonstrated that water supplementation had no effect on cognitive performances. Backes et al demonstrated that there was a lack of facilitation of cognition in the 500 mL water supplementation condition other than in the 150 mL condition [ 20 ]. Different amount of water supplementation, different types of cognitive performances and different duration after water supplementation may cause conflict results, which need more studies with appropriate study design.…”

Associations between hydration state and pregnancy complications, maternal-infant outcomes: protocol of a prospective observational cohort study

“…When water intake exceeds the regulatory capacity of kidney, it may cause acute water intoxication and hyponatremia. Insufficient water intake may induce a dehydrated state, which reduces cognition ability [4][5][6] and physical activity ability [7][8][9][10] and increases the risk of urinary system diseases (such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease) [11,12] and cardiovascular disease [13]. Therefore, maintaining an optimal hydration status is vital for human health.…”

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Speed and Accuracy Task Components in Motor Learning

“…Furthermore, several studies in the meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly faster speed of processing with no detrimental effect on accuracy [4]. In studies with measures that jointly capture both speed and accuracy, results indicate the facilitation of cognitive function in response to both moderate and high-intensity aerobic exercise [14,15].…”