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Light aerobic exercise modulates executive function and cortical excitability
Author(s) -
Morris Timothy P.,
Fried Peter J.,
Macone Joanna,
Stillman Alexandra,
GomesOsman Joyce,
CostaMiserachs David,
Tormos Muñoz Jose Maria,
Santarnecchi Emiliano,
PascualLeone Alvaro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/ejn.14593
Subject(s) - aerobic exercise , human multitasking , neurocognitive , facilitation , psychology , neuroscience , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cognition , working memory , medicine , physical therapy
Single bouts of aerobic exercise can modulate cortical excitability and executive cognitive function, but less is known about the effect of light‐intensity exercise, an intensity of exercise more achievable for certain clinical populations. Fourteen healthy adults (aged 22 to 30) completed the following study procedures twice (≥7 days apart) before and after 30 min of either light aerobic exercise (cycling) or seated rest: neurocognitive battery (multitasking performance, inhibitory control and spatial working memory), paired‐pulse TMS measures of cortical excitability. Significant improvements in response times during multitasking performance and increases in intracortical facilitation (ICF) were seen following light aerobic exercise. Light aerobic exercise can modulate cortical excitability and some executive function tasks. Populations with deficits in multitasking ability may benefit from this intervention.