Acute effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise on eliciting enhanced parietal activation and promoting executive function performance more than moderate-intensity exercise.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Aerobic exercise intensity differentially impacts cognitive function and brain activity, but the optimal intensity for enhancing cognitive function and cortical activity remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of low- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (LAE/MAE) on cognition, gait, and brain dynamics in healthy young adults.

Methods

Forty-nine participants were assigned to stretching (SE), LAE, or MAE groups, and their cognitive function was assessed using various tasks before and after exercise, cortical activation was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and gait parameters and stability indices were measured using a video motion and posture analysis system.

Results

The LAE group exhibited significantly improved Stroo

SUBMITTER: Lingling S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12399649 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature