Effects of acute exercise intensity on source episodic memory and metamemory accuracy

Prior research suggests that behavioural (e.g., exercise) and psychological factors (e.g., metamemory; monitoring and control of one's memory processes) may influence memory function. However, there is conflicting results on the optimal intensity of acute exercise to enhance memory and whether acute exercise can also enhance metamemory. Furthermore, very limited research has evaluated whether acute exercise can influence source episodic memory. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an intensity-specific effect of acute exercise on source episodic memory and metamemory accuracy. Thirty young adults participated in a three-condition (control/moderate/vigorous-intensity exercise), within-subject counterbalanced experimental study. After each intervention, participants completed source episodic memory and metamemory tasks. Results demonstrated that acute exercise, relative to control, was effective in enhancing source episodic memory, but not metamemory accuracy. Vigorous-intensity acute exercise was the most optimal intensity to enhance source episodic memory. Overall, our findings suggest that there is an intensity-specific effect of acute exercise on source episodic memory. Furthermore, when exercise-related improvements in memory occur, young adults may be unaware of these memory benefits from exercise.