Cognitive Performance, Executive Function, Inhibitory Control, Selective Attention
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility are essential components of executive functioning and play an important role in academic, occupational, and daily activities. A total of 60 healthy adults aged 18-35 years will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants in the exercise group will complete a 30-minute session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming, while participants in the control group will undergo passive seated rest for the same duration. Cognitive performance will be evaluated immediately before and after the intervention using the Eriksen Flanker Task and the Stroop Color-Word Test. These assessments measure reaction time, attention control, information processing speed, and inhibitory control. The study is designed to determine whether a single bout of swimming exercise can produce immediate improvements in executive functions compared with passive rest. Findings from this research may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between aerobic exercise and cognitive performance and may help inform exercise-based strategies for enhancing cognitive health and performance in healthy individuals.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALModerate-Intensity Freestyle Swimming Exercise
A single session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming lasting 30 minutes. The protocol consisted of a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of continuous freestyle swimming performed at approximately 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity was monitored using ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate measurements.
Sponsors
Görkem Açar
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The researcher responsible for scoring cognitive outcomes was blinded to group allocation. Cognitive assessments were scored using standardized procedures and automated software. Participants and investigators supervising the intervention were not blinded due to the nature of the exercise intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise group or a passive rest control group. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention cognitive assessments, and outcomes were compared between groups.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years. * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision. * Right-handed as determined by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. * No history of neurological, psychiatric, or cardiovascular disorders. * Engaging in structured exercise fewer than three times per week. * Ability to safely participate in moderate-intensity swimming exercise. * Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Use of medications that may affect cognitive performance. * Active musculoskeletal injury or pain limiting participation in exercise. * Previous experience with the Eriksen Flanker Task or Stroop Color-Word Test. * Contraindications to swimming exercise. * Participation in vigorous physical activity within 24 hours before testing. * Any medical condition considered unsafe for exercise participation by the investigators.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Congruent Flanker Task Reaction Time | Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session | Mean reaction time during congruent trials of the Eriksen Flanker Task. |
| Incongruent Flanker Task Reaction Time | Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session | Mean reaction time during incongruent trials of the Eriksen Flanker Task. |
| Stroop Test Completion Time | Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session | Total completion time across the Stroop Color-Word Test (TBAG Form), assessing inhibitory control, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed