Abstract
The positive effect of acute resistance exercise on executive function, such as inhibitory control (IC), is poorly understood. Several previous studies have demonstrated this effect using whole-body resistance exercise. However, it remains unclear whether localized resistance exercise performed using only limited muscle groups could also acutely improve IC. Thus, the present study examined the effect of an acute bout of localized resistance exercise on IC. Twelve healthy men performed a color-word Stroop task (CWST) before and immediately after the experimental conditions, which consisted of 2 resistance exercises and a resting control (CON). Bilateral knee extension was used to create 2 resistance exercise conditions: light-intensity resistance exercise (LRE) and high-intensity resistance exercise (HRE) conditions, which were 40% and 80% of one-repetition maximum, respectively. The resistance exercise session was programmed for 6 sets with 10 repetitions per set. The CWST-measured IC was significantly improved immediately after both LRE and HRE, but it did not improve immediately after CON. However, the improved IC was significantly greater in HRE than in LRE. The present findings showed that IC could be rapidly improved by an acute bout of localized resistance exercise, especially with high-intensity. Therefore, we suggest that in addition to whole-body resistance exercise, localized resistance exercise performed using limited muscle groups may be sufficient for improving IC.
Highlights
Executive function (EF) involves three aspects: shifting, updating, and inhibition [1]
Follow-up post-hoc comparisons for set × condition interaction indicated that the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) values were unchanged during CON
The present findings showed that localized resistance exercise-induced enhancements in cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, and psychological responses were greater following high-intensity resistance exercise (HRE) than following light-intensity resistance exercise (LRE)
Summary
Executive function (EF) involves three aspects: shifting, updating, and inhibition [1]. EF is known to be chronically impaired by aging [2] and by various chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease [3], type 2 diabetes mellitus [4], and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [5]. Impaired EF is associated with poor prognosis in older people [6, 7], especially sedentary individuals [7]. Previous studies have reported that an acute bout of aerobic exercise can improve several aspects of EF, especially inhibitory control (IC), in various populations [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
