The Effects of Submaximal Exercise on
Cognitive Function
N. Stewart and J. Wilson (Faculty Advisor)
Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, 76019
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Submaximal exercise is exercise that is below the maximum level of which an individual is capable. Research has shown that regularly
exercising can be very beneficial, both physically and mentally, for all individuals. This study looks at the acute effects of submaximal exercise on a person’s
mental capabilities.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to see whether submaximal exercise has any positive or negative effects on cognitive function.
METHODS: Six men (M; age 35.2 ± 13.7 yrs.) and 4 women (W; age 42.3 ± 21.3 yrs.) volunteered to participate in this study that was conducted at the
University of Texas at Arlington. Each subject had their height and weight measured, and their age recorded at the beginning of their first visit. The subjects
were divided into two separate groups, exercise and non-exercise. Each subject was given four separate tests that were used to measure their cognitive function.
The test included two visual tests, (Stroop Test and Trail Making Test) a simple reaction time test (SRT) involving hand eye coordination, and a short term
memory test (STM) involving word recall. The object of the Stroop test and the Trail Making test was to complete the entire test as quickly and as accurately as
possible. Therefore, a decrease in time shows a greater improvement from pre to post. The object of the SRT test was to have the shortest distance, therefore a
decrease from pre to post shows the greatest improvement. In the STM test, the goal was to memorize as many words as possible. An increase in word
memorization shows greater improvement from pre to post. For the non-exercise group, the tests were administered before and after a non-exercise 20 minute
waiting period. For the exercise group, the tests were administered before and after a 20 minute submaximal exercise between 70-80% of the subject’s age
predicted max heart rate using a cycle ergometer.
RESULTS: The results of the Stroop test show that the non-exercise group had an average decrease in time of 2.83 ± 2.0 seconds compared to the exercise group,
5.35 ± 3.78 seconds. In the Trail Making test, the non-exercise group had an average decrease of 4.61 ± 3.26 seconds compared to the exercise group with an
average decrease of 14.33 ± 10.13 seconds. While in the Short Term Memory test, the non-exercise group had an average increase of 2.2 ± 1.56 words compared
to the exercise group with an average increase of 4.47 ± 3.16 words. In the Simple Reaction Time test, the non-exercise group had an average decrease in
distance of 1.69 ± 1.2 cm and the exercise group had an average decrease in distance of 1.89 ± 1.34 cm. There were no significant differences between the two
groups within the four variables (p > .05).
CONCLUSION: Overall, the exercise group seemed to perform better than the non-exercise group. When looking at the Stroop test, the Trail Making test, and
the Short Term Memory test, even though there wasn’t a statistically significant difference between the two groups, we can see that the exercise group performed
slightly better.
Purpose
The purpose of this studywas to see whether submaximal exercise has
any positive or negative effects on cognitive function.
Methods
Participants
• Six male subjects
• Four female subjects
Red blue orange purple
Orange blue green red
Blue purple green red
Orange blue red green
Purple orange red blue
Green red blue purple
Orange blue red green
Green purple orange red
K
8
Frog
Nine
F
Time Sell
Same
Door Ride
Game Call
Mind Joke
Worm Goal
Kite
Heat
Four
Dust
Back
Roam Pole
Five
Hair
Vest
Tear
Home Love
West
Figure 2: Short Term Memory Test
2
4
5
C
1
A
6
I
13
G
3
7
Results (cont’d)
10
H
9
12
Figure 1: Stroop Test
Cold
B
J
D
L
E
11
Figure 3: Trail Making Test
Results
Table 1. Subject Characteristics
Non-Exercise
Age (yrs)
35 ± 14.78
Height (cm)
174.24 ± 9.61
Weight (kgs)
91.7 ± 33.5
Exercise
41 ± 19.07
174.75 ± 12.9
85.7 ± 23.7
Cognitive Tests
• Stroop Test
• Trail Making Test
• Simple Reaction Time Test (SRT)
• Short Term Memory Test (STM)
Protocol
All subjects had their height, weight, age, and sex collected on their first visit.
Subjects were divided into two groups, a non-exercise group and an exercise group.
The subjects participated in three separate visits on three non-consecutive days.
During each visit, the subjects were given the same four cognitive tests before and
after a 20 minute non-exercise waiting period (non-exercise group) or a 20 minute
submaximal exercise test using a cycle ergometer. (exercise group) The tests were
either timed, graded, or measured, and the results were analyzed to evaluate the
changes in the four tests from pre- to post testing.
Conclusions
Overall, the exercise group seemed to perform better than the nonexercise group. When looking at the Stroop test, the Trail Making test,
and the Short Term Memory test, even though there wasn’t a
statistically significant difference between the two groups, we can see
that the exercise group performed slightly better.