Heart rate during moderate exercise and cognitive function among adolescents: An experimental study

Objective Existing studies on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function have predominantly focused on pre- or post-exercise effects, leaving a gap in understanding with regard to immediate cognitive impacts during physical exertion. Understanding cognitive performance during activity could have significant implications for improving productivity and the development of therapeutic strategies. Methods This study examined the relationship between heart rate and cognitive performance, specifically attention, using the D2 attention test among 32 adolescents aged 12-18 years. Participants underwent attention assessments at rest and while moving at target heart rates of 100 bpm, 120 bpm, and 140 bpm. The influence of body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality on attention was also analyzed. Results A positive correlation between heart rate and attention was observed (r = 0.39, P < .005), indicating enhanced cognitive performance with increased heart rate. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between BMI and attention (r = −0.37, P = .039) and a positive correlation was found between sleep quality and attention (r = 0.66, P = .014). Conclusion These findings suggest that moderate physical activity can enhance attention, which could inform the design of educational, therapeutic, and occupational strategies. Future research should explore the generalizability of these findings across different cognitive domains, age group, and setting.