Physical activity is known to be greatly beneficial to our health and wellbeing, but can it really improve the way we function behaviourally?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
There has long been evidence that exercise improves cognition, especially into our advanced years.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
But does it have behavioural benefits for those starting out in life, many of whom are struggling to rise from the couch?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a recently published study by a team from two universities in Krak\u00f3w, Poland, researchers explored whether regular cardiovascular exercise improved inhibitory control in sedentary young adults.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Inhibitory control was assessed in both groups with the experimental group showing improved behavioural and neuroelectrical indices of<\/p>\n
inhibitory control.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Effective inhibitory control supports young adults in navigating social interactions, resisting temptations, managing academic and professional demands, and making adaptive choices under stress,\u201d they say.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This suggested the importance of more demanding and prolonged exercise in triggering neural adaptations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“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,\u201d the researchers concluded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Based on our findings, long-term exercise interventions may be recommended to improve cognitive functioning, particularly inhibitory control, in sedentary young adults.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Inhibitory control is essential for managing distractions, regulating emotions, and resisting impulses \u2013 skills that support self-discipline, long-term goal achievement, and effective decision-making under stress.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Improvements in inhibitory control may translate into enhanced performance in demanding environments such as learning, work, or driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Notably, the cycling ergometer protocol is easily scalable, requires minimal supervision, and can be adapted to various settings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“This makes it an excellent candidate for inclusion in health promotion campaigns and interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Like our articles?<\/p>\n
Become a Member and help fund our advocacy work.<\/p>\n