The Acute Effect of Exercise on Executive Functions and Attention: Resistance Versus Aerobic Exercise

Background: This study evaluated the acute effect of moderate intensity resistance exercise, as compared to aerobic exercise, on executive function (EF) and attention.

Aims: To evaluate the acute effects of moderate-intensity resistance exercise, as compared to aerobic exercise, on EF and attention.

Methods: Forty physical education students (21 women; age = 25.7±2.84 yrs) were assessed before and after three single sessions: aerobic, resistance, and control. Each session consisted of 30 minutes of a moderate-intensity exercise session or a rest session. EF and attention were assessed by components of computerized traditional cognitive tests.

Results: Two-way ANOVA analysis showed an increase in attention scores in attention scores after the resistance sessions (p 0.05) compared to the control. Attention scores in the aerobic sessions showed a trend toward improvement, but did not reach significance. Scores of the ER also increased, both after the resistance sessions and the aerobic (p 0.05) but not after the control.

Conclusion: An acute bout of resistance exercise was as beneficial as aerobic exercise in improving attention and EF scores tests.