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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 10/2017

01-10-2017 | Original Article

Executive function after exhaustive exercise

Authors: Mizuki Sudo, Takaaki Komiyama, Ryo Aoyagi, Toshiya Nagamatsu, Yasuki Higaki, Soichi Ando

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Findings concerning the effects of exhaustive exercise on cognitive function are somewhat equivocal. The purpose of this study was to identify physiological factors that determine executive function after exhaustive exercise.

Methods

Thirty-two participants completed the cognitive tasks before and after an incremental exercise until exhaustion (exercise group: N = 18) or resting period (control group N = 14). The cognitive task was a combination of a Spatial Delayed-Response (Spatial DR) task and a Go/No-Go task, which requires executive function. Cerebral oxygenation and skin blood flow were monitored during the cognitive task over the prefrontal cortex. Venous blood samples were collected before and after the exercise or resting period, and blood catecholamines, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth hormone factor 1, and blood lactate concentrations were analyzed.

Results

In the exercise group, exhaustive exercise did not alter reaction time (RT) in the Go/No-Go task (pre: 861 ± 299 ms vs. post: 775 ± 168 ms) and the number of error trials in the Go/No-Go task (pre: 0.9 ± 0.7 vs. post: 1.8 ± 1.8) and the Spatial DR task (pre: 0.3 ± 0.5 vs. post: 0.8 ± 1.2). However, ΔRT was negatively correlated with Δcerebral oxygenation (r = −0.64, P = 0.004). Other physiological parameters were not correlated with cognitive performance. Venous blood samples were not directly associated with cognitive function after exhaustive exercise.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that recovery of regional cerebral oxygenation affects executive function after exhaustive exercise.
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Metadata
Title
Executive function after exhaustive exercise
Authors
Mizuki Sudo
Takaaki Komiyama
Ryo Aoyagi
Toshiya Nagamatsu
Yasuki Higaki
Soichi Ando
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3692-z

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