The impact of aerobic activity on cognitive function in older adults: A new synthesis based on the concept of executive control |
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| Authors: | Courtney D. Hall Alan L. Smith Steven W. Keele |
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| Affiliation: | 1. University of Texas at Austin, USA;2. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA;3. University of Oregon, Eugene, USA |
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| Abstract: | Numerous reaction time studies have suggested that age-related declines in cognitive function might be ameliorated by lifestyles involving aerobic activity or by interventionist programmes of aerobic exercise. These studies are far from conclusive, however, reflecting a failure to factor out cognitive from sensory and motor processes. Following a critical review of the literature, we report on recent developments that differentiate cognitive processes involving executive vs non-executive control, the former being associated with frontal lobe function. Three key studies suggest that aerobic exercise primarily improves executive control. |
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