A single bout of high intensity aerobic exercise improved cognitive function compared to rest, as indicated by the percent change in SLCT scores (9.8% vs 4.8%; p=0.06).
RCT (n=30)
randomized, crossover
Does a single bout of high intensity aerobic exercise improve cognitive function and alter cardiovascular hemodynamics compared to rest in healthy adults?
A single bout of high-intensity exercise may improve cognitive function and significantly alters systemic and cerebral hemodynamics in healthy adults.
Absolute Event Rate: 9.8% vs 4.8%
p-value: p=0.06
Background: Current literature suggests that moderate intensity aerobic exercise may have profound effects on cognitive function in patients with diminished cognitive function; however, the effects of a single bout of high intensity aerobic exercise (HIE) on cognitive function in and its connection to cerebral blood flow regulation remain inconclusive. We hypothesized that a single bout of HIE would improve cognitive function relative to rest. Methods: Healthy adults (n=30; mean BMI: 25.9 ± 5.2 kg/m 2 ; mean age: 35.2 ± 15.7 yrs) were assessed before and after either a single bout of HIE (cycle ergometer; increasing intensity by 50 W per min to tolerance or 80% of age-predicted max heart rate (HR)) or a seated resting condition in a randomized, crossover design during a single study visit. The single letter cancellation test (SLCT) was used to assess cognitive function. Hemodynamic monitoring included continuous measurements of HR via three-lead ECG, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and stroke volume (SV) via finger photoplethysmography. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood velocity was measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (2-MHz). End-tidal CO 2 (etCO 2 ) and respiratory rate (RR) were measured via oral/nasal cannula (CO2100C Gas Analyzer, BIOPAC). Cardiac output (Q), cerebrovascular resistance (CVR), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were calculated using the following formulas: Q=HR×SV, SVR=MAP/Q, and CVR=MAP/mean MCA velocity. The differences in cognitive function and hemodynamic responses between baseline and recovery periods for both conditions were measured as percent change from baseline (%Δ) and compared via paired t-test. Results: Cognitive function improved post-HIE as indicated by the difference in %Δ SLCT between conditions (Rest: 4.8 ± 8.9 vs HIE: 9.8 ± 7.2; p=0.06). There were differences in hemodynamic responses following HIE compared to rest in %Δ HR (Rest: -7.8 ± 8.3 vs HIE: 30.4 ± 18.1; p0.34). Conclusion: Cognitive function as measured by SLCT scores improved with HIE compared to rest, supporting our hypothesis and suggesting faster visuospatial attention and motor processing. Additionally, increases in systemic and decreases in cerebral hemodynamics were observed during cognitive testing following HIE when compared to the control condition. This study provides insight into the regulation of cerebrovascular hemodynamics and the potential use of acute exercise to improve cognitive function, however, additional tests spanning other cognitive domains are needed to fully elucidate the impact of HIE on cognitive function. Funding: This work was supported by Dr. Rosenberg’s startup grant from Midwestern University. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.
Schnieders et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Healthy adults (n=30). High intensity aerobic exercise (HIE) vs. Seated resting condition was evaluated on Percent change in single letter cancellation test (SLCT) score (p=0.06). A single bout of high intensity aerobic exercise improved cognitive function compared to rest, as indicated by the percent change in SLCT scores (9.8% vs 4.8%; p=0.06).
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