Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
© 2019 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate potential sex-specific differences on episodic memory function and determine whether sex moderates the effects of acute exercise on episodic memory. Methods: A randomized controlled intervention was employed. This experiment was conducted among young University students (mean age = 21 years). Both males (n=20) and females (n=20) completed two counterbalanced laboratory visits, with one visit involving a 15-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise prior to the memory task. The control visit engaged in a time-matched seated task. Memory function (including short-term memory, learning, and long-term memory) was assessed from the RAVLT (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test). Results: We observed a significant main effect for time (P< 0.001, ƞ2p= 0.77) and a marginally significant main effect for sex (P= 0.06, ƞ2p= 0.09), but no time by sex by condition interaction (P= 0.91, ƞ2p= 0.01). We also observed some suggestive evidence of a more beneficial effect of acute exercise on memory for females. Conclusion: In conclusion, females outperformed males in verbal memory function. Additional research is needed to further evaluate whether sex moderates the effects of acute exercise on memory function.
Relational Format
journal article
Recommended Citation
Johnson, L., & Loprinzi, P. D. (2019). The effects of acute exercise on episodic memory function among young university students: moderation considerations by biological sex. Health Promotion Perspectives, 9(2), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2019.14
DOI
10.15171/hpp.2019.14
Accessibility Status
Searchable text