Effect of different exercise modes at high intensity on immediate learning and arousal

Abstract

Acute exercise has an influence on human cognition, and evidence suggests that immediate learning can be facilitated. The purpose of this study was to explore the acute effect of high-intensity exercise conducted with different exercise modes on immediate learning outcome, and whether the effect was moderated by self-reported arousal. To this end, young adults [n = 42, 8 males/35 females, mean (SD) age: 23.53 (3.06), BMI: 23.19 (3.14)] were randomised to resting (control), ergometer cycling, or boxing a punching bag. The exercise was 90% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Immediately after exercise or resting, participants studied a text containing historical information followed by a multiple-choice test. Results indicated that neither of the exercise groups performed better on the recall task compared to the control group, and the effect was not moderated by self-reported arousal. Further studies are warranted to establish the dose–response relationship between exercise and learning effects and its possible moderators.