Electrophysiological investigation of active-assisted vs recumbent cycling: A pilot study in healthy older adults

Authors

Vanessa Harwood, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Nicole E. Logan, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Alisa Baron, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Skye Richards, University of Rhode Island
Raphael Dias, University of Rhode Island
Alex Seng, University of Rhode Island
Emily Jelfs, University of Rhode Island
Christine Marie Clarkin, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Christie L. Ward-Ritacco, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2024

Department

Kinesiology

Abstract

There is a relationship between acute bouts of aerobic exercise and cognition in adults, yet the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. The current pilot study aims to investigate how different modes of cycling (active-assisted cycling vs recumbent cycling) at different moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) intensity levels (prescribed 65–70% Heart Rate Max and self-selected 12–13 Rate of Perceived Exertion) modulate neurocognitive, and behavioral markers of cognition in healthy older adults. A sample of 10 adults (aged 50–74 years) participated in baseline (no exercise), active-assisted, and recumbent cycling interventions at different intensity levels. The P3 event-related potential (ERP), a neural index of executive functions, was recorded at baseline and following each exercise condition during an auditory odd-ball paradigm. Results revealed that greater amplitudes within the P3 ERP component were associated with post-exercise recumbent bike cycling compared to baseline and active-assisted cycling. Further, post-exercise behavioral cognitive measures (i.e., button press accuracy) were significantly greater than baseline for both active-assisted and recumbent bikes at both intensity levels. These findings suggest that exercise modulated both neurocognitive and behavioral measures of executive functions in older healthy adults, and that exercise modalities and intensity levels differentially modulate neurocognitive measures.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Progress in Brain Research

Volume

283

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Harwood, Vanessa, Nicole E. Logan, Alisa Baron, Skye Richards, Raphael Dias, Alex Seng, Emily Jelfs, Christine M. Clarkin, and Christie L. Ward-Ritacco. "Electrophysiological investigation of active-assisted vs recumbent cycling: A pilot study in healthy older adults." Progress in Brain Research 283 (2024): 67-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.11.006

Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.11.006