Cognitive Benefits of Exercise: Is There a Time-of-Day Effect?

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Cognitive neuroscience

Background:

• Physical activity is known to enhance cognitive function.
• The timing of exercise may influence its cognitive benefits, though evidence is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether exercising in the morning or afternoon yields greater cognitive benefits.
• To determine if a time-of-day effect exists for exercise-related improvements in attention.

Main Methods:

• 56 participants were divided into morning (M) and afternoon (A) exercise groups.
• Both groups completed a 12-week intermittent recovery test (Yo-yo) protocol, 4 times weekly.
• Cognitive performance was assessed using the d2 Test of Attention pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both morning and afternoon exercise interventions led to significant improvements in attention.
• No statistically significant differences in cognitive benefits were observed between the morning and afternoon groups.

Conclusions:

• The study did not find evidence to support a time-of-day effect on the attentional benefits of exercise.
• Cognitive improvements from exercise appear consistent regardless of whether performed in the morning or afternoon.