Development and reliability of a test for assessing executive functions during exercise

Abstract

Previous research suggests that performance on executive functions tests may be different at rest, versus when one is engaged in physical exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an integrated system that evaluates executive functions during exercise. We conducted two test-retest studies, with ten healthy male volunteers participating in each study. Participants visited the laboratory three (Study 1) or four (Study 2) times. During the first visit in both studies, questionnaires were administered, and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPT) was performed. In Study 1, during the second and third visits, participants exercised on a cycle ergometer at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes before starting the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test while they were still cycling. In Study 2, during the second visit, participants performed three sets of the executive functions test while sitting on the bike, with a 5 min interval between each set. On visits 3 and 4, participants performed the same exercise protocol as the one described in Study 1. In summary, our results indicated that the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test that we developed and conducted in exercising individuals has similar elements to previous versions and can be considered a reliable test for executive functions assessment during exercise.

Keywords:

• Executive functions
• exercise
• Flanker test
• reliability
• sports psychology

Acknowledgments

We greatly thank Professor Adele Diamond for the support and comments to improve the present manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financed by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) - Brazil - Edital Nº 001/2017 - Demanda Universal (APQ-00395-17). Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.