The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a single physical load of different duration and intensity on cognitive function.
Material and methods: The study population comprised 90 male soldiers. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n=60) and control group (n=30). The soldiers in the experimental group undertook 3 specific loads of different types, durations, and intensities. Attention concentration and tapping tests were carried out, and the reaction time was measured.
Results: After the physical load, the soldiers in the experimental group performed the attention concentration test faster, the number of committed mistakes decreased, and the rate of processing information increased as compared to the corresponding values before physical load (all P<0.05). However, the indices of fatigue, such as the tapping test score and reaction time, in the experimental group were found to be worse than before physical loads (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group of soldiers.
Conclusion: Despite fatigue, a single physical load of different duration and intensity improved the cognitive function.