To examine whether acute dynamic exercise could improve brain cognitive function and whether the changes in cerebral blood flow of the frontal brain might be associated with improved cognitive function, a Stroop color-word test (SCWT) was performed in 10 adults before and after ergometer exercise at 20%, 40%, and 60% of the maximum voluntary performance. In SCWT, the subjects were asked to answer a displayed color of a word, which meant "the different color". The total time and number of errors for 50-100 SCWT trials were recorded as index of the cognitive function. We measured the concentration of oxy-hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) in the frontal brain using near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor local cerebral blood flow. The 40%- and 60%-exercise for 15 min shortened the total time for SCWT and increased Oxy-Hb, though 20%-exercise did not alter them. The number of errors was not altered by any intensity of exercise. The increase in Oxy-Hb started 5 min after the onset of exercise and was sustained during and after exercise. These results suggest that acute dynamic exercise at a moderate intensity for a period of 15 min is able to improve brain cognitive function and the improved cognitive function may be associated with increased cerebral blood flow of the frontal brain.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.29/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.29/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE