Physical activity is known to be greatly beneficial to our health and wellbeing, but can it really improve the way we function behaviourally?
There has long been evidence that exercise improves cognition, especially into our advanced years.
But does it have behavioural benefits for those starting out in life, many of whom are struggling to rise from the couch?
In a recently published study by a team from two universities in Kraków, Poland, researchers explored whether regular cardiovascular exercise improved inhibitory control in sedentary young adults.
A group of 60 young adults were randomised into an experimental group (or control group) and placed into on a 12-week cycling ergometer program consisting of six weeks of moderate-intensity continuous exercise, followed by six weeks of moderate to high-intensity interval exercise at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks into the program.
Inhibitory control was assessed in both groups with the experimental group showing improved behavioural and neuroelectrical indices of
inhibitory control.
Inhibitory control is a cognitive process that enables individuals to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and actions by suppressing automatic or impulsive responses in favour of goal-directed behaviours.
The researchers say this ability is particularly crucial during young adulthood, a period marked by increasing independence, complex decision-making and exposure to novel challenges.
“Effective inhibitory control supports young adults in navigating social interactions, resisting temptations, managing academic and professional demands, and making adaptive choices under stress,” they say.
Interestingly, while the behavioural improvements were measured at both the six and 12-week stages of the exercise program, the neuroelectric improvements in the brain were only demonstrated after the second, high-intensity six-week stage.
This suggested the importance of more demanding and prolonged exercise in triggering neural adaptations.
“Our findings are particularly significant given the increasing prevalence of sedentary behaviour and the critical need for effective interventions to mitigate its detrimental effects on cognitive functioning,” the researchers concluded.
“Based on our findings, long-term exercise interventions may be recommended to improve cognitive functioning, particularly inhibitory control, in sedentary young adults.
“Inhibitory control is essential for managing distractions, regulating emotions, and resisting impulses – skills that support self-discipline, long-term goal achievement, and effective decision-making under stress.
“Improvements in inhibitory control may translate into enhanced performance in demanding environments such as learning, work, or driving.
“Notably, the cycling ergometer protocol is easily scalable, requires minimal supervision, and can be adapted to various settings.
“This makes it an excellent candidate for inclusion in health promotion campaigns and interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour.
“Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the intervention can have a progressive nature, sustaining and potentially enhancing its positive effects on both behavioural and neural outcomes over time.”
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