Exercise Intensity and Creativity

Abstract

It has been shown that poor mental cognition is a risk factor for mortality at all stages in life. Studies have demonstrated that participants who report low levels of weekly physical activity consistently score lower in short-term memory, inductive reasoning, and verbal fluency tests. Intensity of exercise appears to be a critical component in the effectiveness of an exercise program on cognitive function, but little research on exercise’s effect on creativity has been conducted. Further research is needed in the areas of both exercise’s effect on creativity, and more specifically, various exercise intensity levels on creative function. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between exercise intensity levels in older adults and the creative component of mental cognition. METHODS: Participants included 14 females and 10 males aged 55-75 years. Each participant completed three creative functioning assessment tests including the Remote Associations Task (RAT), the Creative Uses Test, and the Torrance Test. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Each participant wore a physical activity monitor that recorded physical activity for one week. Participants were instructed to go about their daily routine as usual. Data were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: Average daily steps walked and RAT score were significantly associated (p<0.05). There was no statistical relationship between amount of moderate intensity or vigorous intensity physical activity and scores on any creativity test. Those categorized as obese (BMI > 30) scored significantly lower on the RAT test but higher on the Creative Uses Test for both fluency and flexibility measures. CONCLUSION: Amount, but not intensity, of regular exercise had an influence on creative abilities. Additionally, there was a relationship between fatness and creativity. Obese individuals showed decreased convergent creativity abilities and increased divergent creative abilities. Further research is needed to support and explain this finding.