Effect of Aerobic Training on Cognitive Function and Arterial Stiffness in Sedentary Young Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. (14th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Asamoah, Samuel; Siegler, Jason; Chang, Dennis; Scholey, Andrew; Yeung, Alan; Cheema, Birinder S.
• Other Names: Vicente-Rodriguez Germán Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Physiology journal. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-01-14
• Subjects: Physiology -- Periodicals; Physiological Phenomena; Physiology; Periodical; Fulltext; Internet Resource; Periodical; Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/847325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-4300

Abstract

Abstract : This study measured cognitive and vascular responses to aerobic training in sedentary young adults. Ten adults (6 women, 4 men; 18–29 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental or no-treatment control group. The experimental group engaged in a 6-week intervention, performed on exercise cycle and treadmill, 3x/week, 50 min/session; intensity was increased over time. Outcome measures included arterial stiffness (augmentation index, AIx, and pulse pressure), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 max ), and cognitive function (attention, processing speed, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function). Participants randomized to aerobic training improved processing speed versus control (P = 0.02, ES = 0.55). However, no group × time effects were noted in other domains of cognitive function. AIx was reduced by approximately 16% from before to after intervention in the experimental group; however, the improvement was not statistically significant versus control (P = 0.20, ES = 0.22). Pulse pressure did not change between groups over time (P = 0.97, ES = 0.0). VO 2 max increased by approximately 10% in the experimental group; however, the change was not significant between groups over time (P = 0.16, ES = 0.27). Vascular and cognitive adaptations to aerobic training may move in parallel. Robust trials simultaneously investigating a broad spectrum of aerobic training interventions and vascular and cognitive outcomes are warranted.