The effect of exercising intensity on learning and memory in humans (LB828)

Abstract

There is conflicting research regarding the effect of exercise on learning and memory; some studies show no effect, enhanced effects or impaired effects on learning and memory. The objective of this study was to determine if there was an optimal target heart rate range which would provide the greatest improvements in learning and memory. Human subjects (ages 18‐35) were divided into 4 groups: control, low intensity (35‐50% of maximum heart rate (MxHR)), medium intensity (50‐65% MxHR), and high intensity (65‐80% MxHR). Subjects performed a 30min exercise bout on an ergometer within their specified HR range or controls rested. Verbal and visual memory tests were given immediately following the exercise (or rest period in controls), and again 30min later to measure long term memory recall. Heart rate, blood pressure and perceived rate of exertion were measured throughout the protocol. Preliminary results suggest that medium intensity exercise improves immediate learning of verbal associations and the retrieval of word associations from long term storage compared to controls. High intensity exercise appears to impair learning new verbal associations immediately after exercise, but retrieval of long term memory was not affected compared to controls. Finally, preliminary results suggest that medium intensity exercise may slightly improve the ability to recall visual information. These results suggest that high intensity exercise impairs learning and memory, whereas moderate exercise may be beneficial in terms of enhancing memory.Grant Funding Source: Supported by a Ferris Faculty Research Grant