Physical Activity, Age, and Cognitive-Neuropsychological Function

TLDR

Results must be interpreted cautiously because exercisers may differ on other variables that influence cognition. The study aims to test whether aerobic exercise improves cognitive‑neuropsychological functioning, calling for longer, controlled human intervention trials. Three research paradigms were used: animal intervention studies, cross‑sectional human studies, and human intervention studies. Animal studies consistently show improved neurobiological and behavioral function with aerobic fitness, cross‑sectional human studies reveal a strong positive association between physical activity and cognition, but human intervention studies have yet to consistently demonstrate cognitive improvements.

Abstract

Findings from three research paradigms that employed aerobic exercise as an independent variable were used to test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise improves cognitive-neuropsychological functioning. The research paradigms were animal intervention studies, cross-sectional human studies, and human intervention studies. Results from studies of animals, usually rodents, provide consistent evidence that aerobic fitness is associated with improved neurobiological and behavioral functioning. Cross-sectional studies with humans indicate a strong positive association between physical activity level and cognitive-neuropsychological performance. However, results from these studies must be interpreted cautiously, as individuals who elect to exercise or not exercise may differ on other variables that could influence cognitive-neuropsychological performance. To date, human intervention studies have not consistently demonstrated cognitive-neuropsychological improvements following exercise training. To satisfactorily test the exercise/cognition hypothesis with humans, carefully controlled intervention studies that last longer than those previously employed are needed.