Yu-Kai Chang * and Jennifer L. Etnier **
(*) National Taiwan Sport University, Taiwan
(**) University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
Citation
Chang, Y., L. Etnier, J. (2013). The dose-response relationship between resistance exercise intensity and cognitive performance: Does heart rate mediate this effect?. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 44(1), 37-54. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2013.44.037
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test heart rate (HR) as a potential mediator of the relationship between resistance exercise and cognition by analyzing data collected in Chang and Etnier (2009b). Mediation analyses were conducted to test the mediating role of HR in the relationship between exercise intensity and performance on the Stroop Test. The results indicated that the change in HR from rest to immediately prior to the cognitive task was a significant mediator of the relationship between exercise intensity and performance on the Stroop Color Word condition. Although the data support one of the HR measures as a mediator of the relationship, the general failure of the HR measures assessed during exercise to mediate the relationships suggests that other mediators may be important.
Keywords: Acute exercise, Cognitive function, Exercise-induced arousal, Mediation analysis