Abstract
The purpose of the current study is to compare the effects of light physical activity to sedentary behavior on cognitive task performance and meta-cognitive responses. Thirty-eight undergraduate students participated in the study. The participants used a stationary bicycle with a desk top and a traditional desk while completing two complex cognitive tasks and measures of affect, motivation, morale, and engagement. The participants pedaled the stationary bicycle at a slow pace (similar in exertion to a normal walking pace) while working. The results indicated that cognitive task performance did not change between the two workstations. However, positive affect, motivation, and morale improved when using the stationary bicycle. These results suggest that activity workstations could be implemented in the work place and in educational settings to help decrease sedentary behavior without negatively affecting performance. Furthermore, individuals could experience a positive emotional response when working on activity workstations which in turn could help encourage individuals to choose to be more physical active during daily activities.
Highlights
It is well known that regular physical activity has positive health benefits such as improved cardiovascular functioning, decreased body weight, and a more positive outlook (Warburton et al, 2006)
There were no significant differences in performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) when comparing performance on the FitDesk to performance at the traditional desk
The current results indicate that light physical activity on a cycling workstation while completing cognitive tasks can improve positive affect and morale
Summary
It is well known that regular physical activity has positive health benefits such as improved cardiovascular functioning, decreased body weight, and a more positive outlook (Warburton et al, 2006). Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity alone; does not seem to be the answer to long-term good health. Most adults are generally inactive (Sisson and Katzmarzyk, 2008) with the amount of physical activity decreasing with age and with lack of understanding of the health benefits of exercising (Mullineaux et al, 2001). One example is in sedentary occupations where physical activity is typically infrequent (Smith et al, 2014). It is possible that many adults working in a sedentary occupation could have difficulty finding time to exercise each day. Because the work day takes up approximately half of all waking hours, working a full-time job can leave many people with little
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