The Effect of Single Bout of Exercise on Executive Function in Young Men: Stratified by BMI.

Rajesh Jeniton Fernando; Vivekananth Subbiramaniyan; Sathiyamoorthy P; Sudharshanam S; Ravichandran K

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

The Effect of Single Bout of Exercise on Executive Function in Young Men: Stratified by BMI.

Rajesh Jeniton Fernando, Vivekananth Subbiramaniyan, Sathiyamoorthy P, Sudharshanam S, Ravichandran K

Abstract :

Background: A Single bout of exercise enhances executive function and whether it differs among different BMI young men is unknown. Hence, we evaluated the effect of a single bout of exercise on executive function in young men with different BMIs. Materials and methods: Men (18 to 25 years) with normal BMI (18–24.9, n = 61) and with higher BMI (≥ 25, n = 59) performed moderate aerobic exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Stroop task was performed to assess their executive function both before and after the exercise. Results: The latency of Stroop test significantly reduced in both the groups (p < .001). Number of correct responders improved in Stroop test in the higher BMI group (p < .001). The number of correct responders were significantly greater in normal BMI group compared to higher BMI group (p = .005) at baseline. Conclusion: We conclude that a single bout of exercise enhances executive function independent of BMI and this beneficial effect may be better in higher BMI group.