The effects of physical activity timing and complexity on episodic memory: A randomized controlled trial. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmid, Daphne; Qazi, Ahmed; Scott, Nathan M.; Tomporowski, Phillip D.
• Is Part Of: Psychology of sport and exercise. Volume 64(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Free-recall memory -- Recognition memory -- Episodic memory -- Physical activity complexity -- Physical activity and cognition; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; Psychology; Sports; Exercise; Societies, Medical; Sports -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; Exercice -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; 613.71019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-0292

Abstract

Abstract: The role of two types of acute physical activity (PA) bouts were assessed on young adults' free-recall and recognition memory in two experiments, which differed in the temporal relation of PA and word encoding. Before or following training on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task, participants performed a simple two-step dance, a complex four-step dance, or remained seated. Hypotheses proposed that PA prior to encoding and complex PA would enhance PA's mnemonic benefits. Memory assessed post-PA, 24 h, and 7 days after training indicated that timing and complexity of PA did not impact free-recall or recognition memory. Findings differ from a previous study showing complex PA benefited motor learning more than simple PA (Tomporowski & Pendleton, 2018). The inconsistency may be due to different working memory processes underlying consolidation and retrieval of procedural or episodic information. Theory-based explanations regarding memory storage and retrieval are proposed to elucidate this selective process. Highlights: Simple physical activity after encoding enhanced recognition memory but not long-term free-recall memory. Physical activity before encoding did not impact free-recall or recognition memory. Unique consolidation processes may cause inconsistent physical activity effects on different memory categories.