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The Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise on Memory, Processing Speed, and Mood State After a Cognitive Challenge
Andrew C Venezia1, Patrick Barney1, Daniela Spagnoli1
1Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|January 25, 2023
Summary
Acute resistance exercise enhanced attention and processing speed in young men but did not improve memory. While exercise increased restlessness, its effects on vigor and depression were not significant after statistical correction.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sports Science
Background:
- Acute aerobic exercise benefits learning and memory, but effects of resistance exercise are less understood.
- Mechanisms like increased arousal and catecholamines may mediate exercise-induced cognitive benefits.
- The impact of high-intensity resistance exercise on mood post-cognitive challenge requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute resistance exercise on memory, processing speed, and mood state.
- To compare cognitive and mood responses to resistance exercise versus seated rest.
- To determine if resistance exercise enhances cognitive function and influences mood after a cognitive challenge.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects design involving 18- to 25-year-old men.
- Participants completed a 40-minute resistance exercise session or a seated rest condition.
- Cognitive performance was assessed using Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) tasks, followed by the ANAM Mood Scale.
Main Results:
- Resistance exercise significantly improved Code Substitution-Learning (attention and processing speed) (p = 0.03).
- No significant effects of exercise were observed on recognition memory (immediate and delayed).
- While exercise initially increased restlessness, vigor, and depression, only restlessness remained significant after correction (q = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- An acute bout of resistance exercise can enhance attention and processing speed.
- Resistance exercise does not appear to improve recognition memory in this population.
- Resistance exercise has mixed and largely non-significant effects on mood state following a cognitive challenge.
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