Does prefrontal cortex oxygenation mediate executive function during high-intensity exercise? A systematic review of...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• The transient hypofrontality hypothesis suggests cognitive function declines during intense physical stress.
• Previous studies on prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation and executive function (EF) during exercise yield conflicting results.
• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is often used to measure PFC oxygenation during such tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review fNIRS studies investigating the role of PFC oxygenation in EF changes during high-intensity exercise.
• To determine if PFC oxygenation mechanistically explains cognitive performance decrements under physical stress.
• To synthesize findings from dual-task paradigms assessing EF concurrently with exercise.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines across five databases.
• Inclusion of studies using fNIRS to measure PFC oxygenation during high-intensity exercise with dual-task paradigms.
• Synthesis of data from five selected studies meeting the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Inconsistent findings were reported: some studies showed EF impairments linked to reduced PFC oxygenation, while others found no significant changes in PFC oxygenation or EF.
• Methodological differences, extracerebral influences, and individual variability may explain the discrepancies.
• PFC oxygenation appears to be a relevant but context-dependent factor in cognitive regulation during exercise.

Conclusions:

• PFC oxygenation may not be the sole or direct mediator of cognitive impairments observed during high-intensity exercise under dual-task conditions.
• Further research requires standardized dual-task protocols and advanced neuroimaging techniques.
• Multi-modal approaches are essential to fully elucidate the transient hypofrontality effect and PFC's role.