Experimental Effects of Acute High-Intensity Resistance Exercise on Episodic Memory Function: Consideration for Post-Exercise Recovery Period

Abstract

Background: The present experiments evaluated the effects of acute high-intensity resistance exercise on episodic memory. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. For Experiment 1, participants (N = 40; Mage = 21.0 years) were randomized into one of two groups, including an experimental exercise group and a control group (seated for 20 min). The experimental group engaged in an acute bout of resistance exercises (circuit style exercises) for 15 minutes, followed by a 5-min recovery period. Memory function was subsequently assessed using a multiple trial (immediate and delay), word-list episodic memory task (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT), and then followed by a comprehensive, computerized assessment of episodic memory (Treasure Hunt task, THT). The THT involved a spatio-temporal assessment of what, where, and when components of episodic memory. Experiment 2 evaluated if altering the recovery period would influence the potential negative effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on episodic memory function. For Experiment 2, participants (N = 51) were randomized into the same acute resistance exercise protocol but either with a 10-min recovery period, 20-min recovery period, or a control group. Results: For Experiment 1, for RAVLT, the exercise group performed worse (Fgroup × time = 3.7, p = .001, η 2 p = .09). Across nearly all THT outcomes, the exercise group had worse spatio-temporal memory than the control group. These results suggest that high-intensity resistance exercise (with a 5-min recovery) may have a detrimental effect on episodic memory function. For Experiment 2, for RAVLT, the exercise with 10-min recovery group performed better (Fgroup × time = 3.1, p = .04, η 2 p = .11). Unlike Experiment 1, exercise did not impair spatio-temporal memory, with the 20-min exercise recovery group having the best "where" component of episodic memory. Conclusion: Collectively, the results from these two experiments suggest that acute high-intensity resistance exercise may impair episodic memory when a short exercise recovery period (e.g., 5-min) is employed, but with a longer recovery period (10+ min), acute high-intensity resistance exercise may, potentially, enhance episodic memory.

Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise on Cognitive-Based Short-Term Memory Improvement: A Meta-analysis of Repeated Measures Studies

“…As demonstrated thoroughly elsewhere [7], the post-exercise recovery period may play a key role in modulating the acute effects of exercise on memory function. Recent work from Loprinzi et al [39] suggests that a short (e.g., 5-min) recovery period with high-intensity resistance exercise may compromise performance on wordlist episodic memory task, but a longer duration recovery period (e.g., 10-20 min) after a single bout of high-intensity resistance exercise may improve word-list episodic memory. In contrast to these findings, Crush et al [7] suggests that a 5 min resting period with acute moderate-intensity treadmill exercise may have a favorable effect on memory functioning.…”

“…2. Among these six studies, 16 standardized regression coefficient ESs were calculated: Loprinzi et al [39] produced six ESs (three each for exercise and non-exercise control groups) and the five other studies [1,19,25,29,51] each produced two ESs (one for exercise and another for non-exercise control groups). As illustrated by Fig.…”

Effects of acute aerobic and resistance exercise on episodic memory function

“…Each circuit involved: For the last circuit (rest [laying] for 60 s), instead of a rest period, participants performed push-ups to failure for 1 min (with the option of performing knee push-ups, if needed). This acute resistance exercise protocol has been utilised in other related experiments (Loprinzi, Green, et al, 2020). After the bout of exercise, participants rested in a seated position for 10 min.…”

“…These eight studies demonstrated mixed findings, underscoring the importance of conducting additional research on this topic, particularly acute resistance exercise studies. In a recent experiment, Loprinzi, Green, et al (2020) examined the effects of acute resistance exercise on episodic memory and demonstrated evidence of a potential spatial-and non-spatial memory enhancement effect, particularly if the post-exercise recovery period was of at least 10 min. This aligns with the meta-analysis by Chang et al (2012) showing greater effect sizes regarding the effects of acute exercise on cognitive function (globally) with post-exercise rest periods greater than 10 min (but less than 20 min).…”

Does Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Influence Episodic Memory through Unique Mechanisms?

“…In addition to acute aerobic exercise, emerging research also demonstrates that acute resistance exercise may influence memory. Using a circuit-style acute resistance exercise paradigm, Loprinzi et al [27] had participants complete five sets of exercises (e.g., push-ups, sit-ups, plank), with each set lasting 3-min, interspersed with a 1-min recovery between sets; the last set was completed to failure. Their results demonstrated that, among a young adult population, 15-min of acute resistance exercise was effective in enhancing episodic memory, specifically the "where" component of a spatial-temporal episodic memory task.…”