Randomized controlled trial evaluating the temporal effects of high‐intensity exercise on learning, short‐term and long‐term memory, and prospective memory

摘要

Abstract The broader purpose of this study was to examine the temporal effects of highintensity exercise on learning, shortterm and longterm retrospective memory and prospective memory. Among a sample of 88 young adult participants, 22 were randomized into one of four different groups: exercise before learning, control group, exercise during learning, and exercise after learning. The retrospective assessments (learning, shortterm and longterm memory) were assessed using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Longterm memory including a 20min and 24hr followup assessment. Prospective memory was assessed using a timebased procedure by having participants contact (via phone) the researchers at a followup time period. The exercise stimulus included a 15min bout of progressive maximal exertion treadmill exercise. Highintensity exercise prior to memory encoding (vs. exercise during memory encoding or consolidation) was effective in enhancing longterm memory (for both 20min and 24h followup assessments). We did not observe a differential temporal effect of highintensity exercise on shortterm memory (immediate postmemory encoding), learning or prospective memory. The timing of highintensity exercise may play an important role in facilitating longterm memory.