A single bout of cycling exercise effects on short‑term memory

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise plays a role in enhancing neurogenesis and brain plasticity. Actively involved in musculoskeletal and cardiovascular activities at moderate intensity influences brain systems involved in working memory processes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of memorising before and after a single bout exercise on short‑term memory. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 female university students with a mean age of 23.63 ± 1.46 years old were involved in this study. Participants completed a free recall test twice at pre‑ and post‑exercise. The exercise session involved a single bout cycling ergometer at 50 watts while maintaining 60 rpm for 30 min and two five minutes periods of warm‑up and cool down at 20 watts. Results: The percentage of words recalled in the free recall test post‑exercise did not improve compared to pre‑exercise. The percentage of immediate recency words recalled post‑exercise (51.25 ± 21.87%) is higher than pre‑exercise (48.75 ± 21.87%) but no significant difference compared to pre‑exercise (p = 0.751). The percentage of words recalled post‑exercise was correlated with heart rate during exercise (r = −0.59, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Participants with a higher heart rate during exercise had a lower percentage of words recalled at post compared to pre‑exercise. However, a single bout of cycling exercise did not improve short‑term memory.