Open AccessCognitive effects of a 30‐min aerobic exercise bout on adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes
Author(s) -
Vincent C. M.,
Hall P. A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
obesity science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2055-2238
DOI - 10.1002/osp4.112
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , aerobic exercise , stroop effect , obesity , moderation , physical therapy , type 2 diabetes , cognition , diabetes mellitus , gerontology , psychiatry , endocrinology , psychology , social psychology
Summary Background Several studies document reliable brain health benefits of acute exercise bouts. However, no prior studies have explored such effects among those living with co‐morbid overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), both of which are conditions associated with cognitive performance decrements. Purpose To examine the impact of a 30‐min bout of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on executive function among adults with overweight/obesity and T2DM, employing a widely used experimental paradigm. Methods Thirty adults with overweight/obesity and T2DM were randomly assigned to moderate (30% maximal heart rate reserve) and minimal (r.p.m. 30–50; work load 5) intensity aerobic exercise. Pre‐exercise to post‐exercise changes in Stroop interference and Go/No‐Go scores were compared across conditions. Results Primary analyses revealed no overall effect of exercise condition on changes in Stroop or Go/No‐Go performance. Post‐hoc moderation analyses indicated that Stroop interference scores were reduced, following moderate exercise among female participants and among those who were more physically active. Conclusion The current study revealed no reliable benefit of acute aerobic exercise for overweight and obese individuals living with T2DM overall. There may be limited benefits for women and more and active subgroups, but the precise nature of such benefits remains unclear.