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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Original Article

Impact of maximal physical exertion on interference control and electrocortical activity in well-trained persons

Authors: Thomas Finkenzeller, Michael Doppelmayr, Sabine Würth, Günter Amesberger

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a maximal physical load on cognitive control in twelve well-trained males focusing on the time course of changes in a 15 min post-exercise interval.

Methods

Prior to and three times after an incremental cycle ergometer task until exhaustion, behavioural performance and neurophysiological correlates using N2 and P3 event-related potentials (ERPs) were assessed during the execution of a modified flanker task. These data were compared to a control condition following the same protocol, however, without physical load between pre-test and post-tests.

Results

Regardless of compatibility (congruent, incongruent), behavioural findings revealed a significant interaction of Condition × Time with shorter reaction times in the post-exercise blocks as compared to the control condition. Neuroelectric measures demonstrated exercise induced effects of a reduced central N2 amplitude and shorter parietal P3 latency in the time course of post-exercise flanker blocks as compared to rest.

Conclusions

It is concluded that a state of maximal physical exhaustion facilitates information processing speed in a cognitive control task in well-trained persons. This effect persists even after a recovery period of 15 min. The current findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the neuronal mechanisms of interference control following maximal physical load, suggesting a reduced conflict monitoring as indicated by a reduced N2 amplitude and an increased stimulus classification speed as reflected by P3 latency. The flanker task, however, might have been too simple to elicit monitoring conflicts on the behavioural level.

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Title: Impact of maximal physical exertion on interference control and electrocortical activity in well-trained persons
Authors: Thomas Finkenzeller
Michael Doppelmayr
Sabine Würth
Günter Amesberger
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3977-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Impact of maximal physical exertion on interference control and electrocortical activity in well-trained persons

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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