Response inhibition and exercise: from theory to translational practice

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Response inhibition (RI) is vital for adaptive behavior but its link to physical activity is under-explored.
• Existing research rarely focuses on how RI is modulated by exercise or observed in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bridge the gap between RI research and physical activity.
• To integrate conceptual foundations, athlete models, and exercise effects on RI.
• To propose a framework for assessing and targeting RI in various contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of conceptual foundations of proactive and reactive inhibition.
• Analysis of neural mechanisms, particularly cortico-basal ganglia circuits.
• Synthesis of evidence from elite athletes and acute exercise studies.

Main Results:

• Distinguished proactive and reactive inhibition with assessment paradigms.
• Highlighted cortico-basal ganglia pathways for inhibitory control.
• Showcased athletes as models for experience-dependent RI changes and exercise's transient modulatory effects.

Conclusions:

• RI is influenced by long-term adaptation (athletes) and acute exercise.
• A synthesized framework can guide RI assessment and targeting in sports, rehabilitation, and daily life.
• Understanding exercise-induced RI modulation has implications for aging and clinical populations.