Exercise mediates the sex differences in adult visuospatial cognitive ability

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human Movement Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Consistent sex differences favor males in visuospatial cognition.
• Physical exercise's role as a mediator is understudied.
• Females globally engage in less physical exercise than males.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate if exercise intensity mediates sex/gender differences in visuospatial ability.
• Examine the impact of strenuous, moderate, and mild exercise.
• Understand the relationship between physical activity and spatial cognition.

Main Methods:

• 224 undergraduate students (112 males, 112 females) aged 18-25.
• Assessed mental rotation, spatial memory, and navigation abilities.
• Used Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire; mediation analyses performed.

Main Results:

• Males outperformed females across all visuospatial domains (p < 0.05).
• Leisure time activity score mediated 20-34% of sex differences.
• Strenuous exercise was the primary mediator, especially for mental rotation and spatial memory.

Conclusions:

• Strenuous physical exercise partially mediates sex differences in visuospatial cognition.
• Promoting strenuous activity in women could reduce gender disparities.
• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference; further research is needed.