Impact of Physical Exercise on Executive Functioning

Why are we doing this research?

Executive functioning (EF) is related to of a range of favourable outcomes, including to well-being, health, resilience, and prosperity. Undergraduate students particularly rely on EF skills to adapt to the combined demands of transitioning to adulthood and university. Those with poor EF are more likely to engage in risky and unhealthy behaviours (e.g., unhealthy diet. Fortunately, EF can be ameliorated through intervention and training. However, there is ongoing debate about the specific characteristics of exercise that are relevant for EF. A better understanding of practical strategies to improve undergraduate students’ EF can help maximize health and well-being among this population.

What is this research project examining?
This research will examine how different characteristics of exercise (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration, type) relate to self-reported and performance-based EF in undergraduate students. 

What did we find?

Preliminary data analyses indicated that engaging in a greater number of exercise activities over the lifetime was predictive of performance-based EF, whereas engaging in a greater number of exercise activities over the past month was predictive of self-reported EF. Further analyses will explore other aspects of exercise, such as intensity and individual vs. team sport. Identifying the specific, readily alterable aspects of exercise that foster more advanced EF in young adulthood is a timely and practical approach to improving population wellness.