Abstract
Effects of cardiorespiratory fitness on cognition were assessed for 72 young adults. Participants completed an executive control task while behavioral and neuroelectric indices of cognition were obtained. Behavioral (reaction time, response accuracy) and neuroelectric (P3 amplitude, P3 latency) measures of cognitive function and processing were examined in relation to fitness to determine the unique influence of fitness on cognition. A graded maximal exercise test was used to measure fitness by assessing maximal oxygen consumption. Higher fitness was associated with a smaller difference in P3 amplitude across expectancies as well as a longer P3 latency at the central midline site, suggesting a relationship between fitness and neural indices of certain cognitive processes. However, fitness did not exhibit a unique relationship with behavioral indices of cognition. These findings suggest that while fitness may have beneficial effects on some executive control functions, these effects may not be manifest in improved expectancy effects in the behavior of healthy young adults.
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Mraz, Elizabeth K., "The Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Behavioral and Neuroelectric Indices of Cognition in Young Adults" (2008). 2007-2008. Paper 9.
http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/jwp_2008/9