Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory Among College Students in Taiwan

• In Event: Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: Fitness, Health, and Physical Activity: Possibilities for Curriculum Change

Abstract

Given the proven notion in studies in children and elderly that exercise improves cognitive functioning, the purpose of the study was to investigate the significance of exercise in college-aged adults by utilizing prior theories. 56 healthy, inactive college-aged subjects (25 male, 31 female) were recruited and randomly assigned to either non-exercise group (NEG) or exercise group (EG). The NEG remained in their lifestyle while the EG exercised 3 days/week over a 6-week intervention. The measured outcome was working memory. Data were analyzed by repeated measures comparing the two groups. Findings showed the EG performed better in attention test than the NEG. It is suggested that aerobic exercise has positive effects on neuro-cognition, demonstrating positive effect between aerobic activity and working memory.

Authors

• Hui-Jung Fu

• Feng-Ru Sheu, Kent State University

• Meilun Shih, National Taiwan University