The Impact of a 9-Week Exercise Program on College Students' Executive Function

Exercise and Executive Function in College Students

Authors

  • Simon Schaerz Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE), Lethbridge Polytechnic https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5058-0498
  • Ricardo Quesada Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v17i4.852

Keywords:

Inhibitory Control, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Exercise, Academic Success

Abstract

Background: Executive functions (EF), which encompass inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, are essential for managing daily activities. These functions are particularly crucial for the academic success of post-secondary students. Accordingly, this study implemented a 9-week exercise intervention specifically designed to enhance EF in post-secondary students. Purpose: The primary objectives were to assess the effectiveness of the exercise intervention on EF and to provide insights for future program development. Methods: Thirty-one students participated in the study, which utilized a waitlist comparison group design. Participants engaged in a 9-week exercise program with three structured sessions per week aimed at enhancing EF. Preliminary ANOVAs were conducted to analyze participant characteristics and physical activity measures. ANCOVAs, with age, gender, and body mass index as covariates, were used to test the exercise intervention’s effect on inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Results: The results indicated small, albeit statistically non-significant effects of the exercise intervention on inhibitory control (ηp2 = 0.052, p = 0.262) and working memory (ηp2 = 0.013, p = 0.579). Conclusion: The study provides guidance for future research and practical advice for post-secondary institutions looking to support students’ academic success through similar initiatives. Recommendations include extending the exercise intervention length to 17 to 22 weeks, promoting adherence by incorporating elements of the transtheoretical model for behaviour change and self-determination theory, maximizing time spent on cognitively demanding tasks during exercise sessions, and targeting students who would benefit the most, such as those who are sedentary, from disadvantaged backgrounds, or with learning impairments.

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Published

2024-12-30

How to Cite

Schaerz, S., & Quesada, R. (2024). The Impact of a 9-Week Exercise Program on College Students’ Executive Function: Exercise and Executive Function in College Students. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 17(4), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v17i4.852

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4 (2024)

Section

ARTICLES

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Copyright (c) 2024 Simon Schaerz, Ricardo Quesada

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