Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Short Term Memory on Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: Exercise is known to improve the cognitive function, including short-term memory. Exercise can induce structural and functional changes of the brain, i.e. synaptic plasticity. Exercise is categorized into two groups: aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. Studies have shown that both groups of exercises can improve short-term memory function. Objectives: this research is aimed to compare the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on short-term memory on healthy adults. Methods: Participants were given the choice to be admitted into either exercise group, aerobic or resistance. Short-term memory (forward digit span) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: there were 20 male participants (mean age 22.95 ± 5.33) completed the intervention. There was no significant difference in the short-term memory function on both groups, aerobic (p=0.058) and resistance (p=0.206). However, an increase of short-term memory score average was observed in both groups, 6.6 to 7.2 in the aerobic group and 6.5 to 6.9 in the resistance group. There was no difference in short-term memory score when the comparison was made between the two groups (p=0.628). Conclusions: This study showed that exercise could increase the short-term memory function, although insignificant, in healthy male adults.