In: Psychology
What does the research tell us about the positive effects of exercise on cognitive function? What are some of the specific effects that exercise can have upon cognition? Include a discussion of information processing speed and executive function
It has been showed that moderate intensity exercise is related to increased performance in working memory and cognitive flexibility, whereas high-intensity exercise improves the speed of information processing. In this context, it has been reported that peripheral BDNF was significantly increased after high intensity exercise, but not after low-intensity exercise. In fact, it is evidenced that high-intensity exercise provides greater benefit to cognitive functions than low-intensity exercise in the elderly.
Persistent effects on cognition
In particular, consistent aerobic exercise has been shown to improve attentional control, information processing speed, cognitive flexibility (e.g., task switching), inhibitory control, working memory updating and capacity, declarative memory and spatial memory.
Processing speed isn't an executive skill, but it can affect executive function. Slow processing speed impacts working memory, flexible thinking, organization and planning, and attention skills. Mistaking slow processing speed for issues with executive function skills is common.