Together towards better executive functions? Effects of acute cognitively demanding physical activity and social interaction on inhibition

Research has shown that acute physical activity (PA) improves inhibition performance. However, further information is needed on potential moderators that may influence this effect. Since social interaction (SoI) was proposed as an important PA characteristic influencing the PA-inhibition relation, this study examines the effects of acute PA and SoI on inhibition. In a 2 × 2 within-subject design, 96 participants (17–26 years, M = 20.5; SD = 1.7, 50% female) underwent four experimental conditions, consisting of a cognitively challenging (exer-)game varying in PA (PA/no PA) and SoI (SoI/no SoI). After each condition, inhibition performance was assessed using the Eriksen Flanker Task. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that acute PA enhanced inhibition, leading to faster reaction times (ƞ 2 p = 0.169) and higher accuracy rates (ƞ 2 p = 0.090). However, the results showed speed-accuracy trade-offs for SoI, with faster reaction times (ƞ 2 p = 0.041) and lower accuracy rates (ƞ 2 p = 0.140). No interaction effects for PA and SoI on inhibition were observed (ƞ 2 ps = 0.005–0.036). Our findings confirm that an acute bout of cognitively challenging PA can enhance inhibition performance but has no joint effects with SoI, which facilitated performance speed but worsened accuracy. Likely, the physically and cognitively challenging nature of the exergaming bout may have limited room for further improvement by SoI. Future acute PA studies should jointly explore the role of SoI and cognitive engagement in acute PA to identify an optimal pattern of task and context factors for reaping executive functions (EFs) gains. • Acute 15-min moderate-intensity physical activity enhances inhibitory response. • Socially interactive physical activity does not improve inhibitory response. • Future research may explore how social interaction and cognitive demands interact.