Influence of physical exertion on mental performance with reference to training

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exertion (treadmill) on mental performance (matching a comparison design). Nine pairs of monozygotic twins (boys aged 11 to 14 yr.) were randomly divided into two groups, one trained and one untrained, while eight boys of the same age served as a control group. The trained group underwent a specifically designed program lasting six months. The trained and untrained groups performed on the treadmill for 20 min. at a running speed intensity above their individual anaerobic thresholds. Mental performance was evaluated by analysing mean number of correct answers, time taken to reach correct answers (decision time), and wrong answers. A 3 x 2 (group x pre/posttest) analysis of variance with repeated measures on the last factor yielded no significant differences; however, significant pre- versus posttest differences on correct answers and decision times occurred among the exercised groups.