Exercise and Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is associated with longevity and is of critical importance for optimal daily functioning[...].

To discover the relationship of dose-response and exercise duration and task-switching in older adults.
Counter-balanced design with four sessions One control visit, three exercise visits. Exercise used a cycle ergometer for 10, 20, and 45 min.
Executive function 20 min bout of moderate-intensity exercise was effective in enhancing executive function. Longer durations were not optimal in enhancing executive function, but did not harm cognition. [16] To present the current evidence that exercise can affect cognitive functions in children with and without ADHD, and the neurophysiological mechanisms of this action.

Systematic review N/A Multiple cognitive outcomes
The preliminary findings illustrate that exercise can improve cognitive performance in children with presented ADHD, even without a diagnosis.
Further studies need to be conducted regarding the parameters of exercise. [17] To determine whether there is any influence of dopaminergic pathways on exercise-induced motor memory consolidation.
RCT 2 min warm-up at (50 W and 100 W) on a cycle ergometer. 3 blocks of cycling at 90% or 45% of Wmax, respectively.

Motor memory consolidation
Illustrated that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) have an impact on synaptic dopamine levels and plasticity-regulating proteins in modulating the effect of acute exercise on motor memory consolidation. [18] To asses VBM brain changes between two learning conditions in order to better understand the process of neuroplasticity.
Longitudinal study with a factorial and within-group design During a 1month period, three training sessions occurred per week, with each session lasting 1 h on a 3 meter long slackline. VBM brain changes Illustrated that VBM-observed changes in the brain in response to learning the desired task were dependent upon the learning success and the ability to see. [19] To assess how effective 10 min of both exercise and meditation was on college students' cognitive function.
RCT Exercise was set at a self-selected brisk walk for 10 min on a treadmill.

Executive function
Concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to conclude whether or not acute exercise and meditation can affect cognitive function. [20] To examine the effects of acute exercise on reducing proactive memory interference.
RCT Study 1: 15 min self-selected brisk walk on the treadmill. Study 2: 15 min self-selected jog on the treadmill.

Proactive memory interference
Illustrated that the participants who exercised before memory encoding had the highest number of words recalled; however, this finding was not statistically significant. This trend was only seen after the jogging protocol. [15] To summarize the available studies about and methodologies of fNIRS applications.
Systematic, methodology-focused review N/A fNIR processing Illustrated that tools such as fNIRS are pivotal for understanding how various physical activity mechanisms affect cognitive performance. Methodological issues were discussed. [8] To explore the possible neural markers that could improve cognitive inhibition after acute exercise.

Inhibition
Suggested that enhanced conflict monitoring via N450 changes could be an underlying process that led to the improved performance in the Stroop test following acute exercise.  [11] Compared open-skill versus closed skill exercise on BDNF production and task-switching performance.
Counterbalanced design with two testing sessions 5 min warm-up, 30 min of running or badminton in counterbalanced order at a moderate intensity (HRR = 60%) BDNF and task-switching performance Illustrated that there is a small moderating role regarding type of exercise and cognitive function. Open-skill exercise produced greater BDNF levels, which correlated with previous studies.
[ 21] To investigate aerobic capacity and its associations with cognitive domains of information processing, learning and memory, and verbal fluency Cross-sectional design 5 min warm-up at 40 W on a bicycle ergometer, followed by an increase in increments of 10 W/min until a self-chosen cadence between 55 to 95 W/min was reached.
Information processing, learning and memory, and verbal fluency Illustrated limited support for the association between aerobic capacity and most cognitive domains. [22] To illustrate the fact that patients suffering from PAD show cognitive dysfunction, and, through exercise, brain function could be protected.

Systematic review N/A Cognitive function in patients with PAD
The data supported the idea that it is possible that physical exercise, through various mechanisms, such as myokine secretion and microglial anti-inflammatory phenotype enhancement, could lead to cognition protection in clinical settings. [14] To discuss the importance of the sex-specific effects of exercise on memory function Systematic review N/A Memory function This paper highlighted the potential sex specific differences in memory function and exercise. This led to the discussion of further research to evaluate whether or not sex moderates the effects of acute exercise on memory. Inhibitory control Illustrated that there are no concrete differences in the efficiency of aerobic and coordinative training on the enhancement of inhibitory control.
[24] The goal of this study was to assess the association between global cognitive function, physical function, and non-Aß -dependent factors associated with MCI or AD.
Counterbalanced design with three testing sessions Assessment of VO 2max and a 6 min walking test (6 MWT).

Global cognitive and physical function
Illustrated that global cognitive function and physical function were most closely related to the 6 MWT. [25] To assess the potential time effects of acute exercise on true and false episodic memory.
Counterbalanced, randomized, controlled, within-subject design 20 min of exercise on a treadmill with a 5 min recovery period. Minimum speed was 3.0 mph.

False episodic memory
The findings provided evidence that acute exercise, both during and after encoding, may reduce false memories. However, these findings were not statistically significant. [26] To investigate how mental fatigue can affect cognitive and aerobic performance in endurance athletes.  Cognitive function Illustrated that there was no evidence of sex moderation of aerobic exercise on aerobic capacity or BMI. However, the study showed that for the cognitive outcomes, men benefitted more from aerobic exercise than women. [28] To present a complete summary of the various underlying neurophysiological processes of exergame training in older adults.

Systematic review N/A Several cognitive outcomes
The review found an overall small but positive influence of exergaming on brain function and cognition in older adults. [29] To develop support for a hypothesis that resistance training with BFR could boost the effectiveness of resistance training on cognitive performance.

Hypothesis N/A Cognitive function
Concluded that the hypothesis needs to be tested on both short-and long-term parameters in order for concrete evidence and statements to be provided. [30] To assess whether or not acute exercise is associated with enhancing emotional memories.
Two-arm, parallel-group (between subject) randomized control design 15 min of a self-selected "briskwalk" on a treadmill. Minimum speed was set at 3.0 mph.

Long-term emotional memory
Findings illustrated that there is no correlation between acute aerobic exercise and the stimulation of enhanced emotional memory recognition. [31] To duplicate and extend the previous research conducted on cognitive benefits for MCI.
Quasi-experimental, within-subject pilot clinical trial Neuro-exergame Executive function Illustrated that an iPad-based neuro-exergame protocol is feasible for MCI to use at home. [9] To investigate the immediate effects of acute, moderate-intensity exercise on attentional control.
Crossover design with three testing sessions 20 min of acute exercise, on a stationary bike at 60% of the participants' VO 2max .
Attentional control Illustrated an enhancement effect of acute, moderate-intensity exercise on neurocognitive processes. [32] To evaluate whether acute moderate-intensity exercise has any experimental effects on iconic memory or short-term/long-term episodic memory.
RCT 15 min of moderate-intensity exercise on a treadmill at a self-selected "brisk walk" pace.
Iconic memory, short-term episodic and long-term episodic Illustrated some suggestive evidence hinting that acute aerobic exercise may benefit iconic memory; however, more studies need to be conducted in order to confirm/deny these findings.