Exercise and fitness modulate cognitive function in older adults

Psychol Aging. 2015 Dec;30(4):842-8. doi: 10.1037/pag0000047.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of acute exercise on cognitive function and the modulatory role of fitness in the relationship between exercise and cognition. Forty-six healthy older adults, categorized into higher or lower fitness groups, completed the Stroop test after both 30 min of aerobic exercise and a reading control with a counterbalanced order. Our findings demonstrated that acute exercise leads to general improvements in 2 types of cognitive functions and to specific improvements in executive function. Additionally, older adults with initially higher fitness levels experienced greater beneficial effects from acute exercise.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Executive Function / physiology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / psychology*
  • Reading
  • Stroop Test