Using event-related potentials to study the effects of chronic exercise on cognitive function

Abstract

In recent years, advancements in neuroscientific methods have led to considerable progress with regard to the nature of the relationship between exercise and cognitive function. This review focuses on several components of the event-related potential (ERP) and how they can be successfully used to better understand subtle aspects of cognition that may be influenced by regular exercise participation. A select review of research that has incorporated ERPs to study the relationship between chronic exercise participation or cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function is presented followed by a brief overview of important methodological considerations when using the ERP technique. Future directions for the application of ERPs to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of chronic exercise on cognitive function are offered.