Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Maureen Dunn, Kinesiology; Gabbi Wehrmeyer, Kinesiology
Document Type
Poster
Event Date
4-12-2024
Abstract
A physically active lifestyle is associated with improved quality of life. Consequently, technologies have advanced to create active walking or cycling workstations where individuals may increase their physical activity in an otherwise sedentary work-related setting. The effectiveness of these active workstations on the brain’s working memory; its ability to process linguistic and conscious perceptual stimuli, is not well understood. This study evaluated changes in working memory by comparing N back-2 scores while completing a heart rate monitored, low-intensity, cycle ergometer exercise protocol. Three conditions were tested during three visits, one week apart from each other. For each trial, the participants sat on a cycle ergometer and completed an N Back-2 Test on a computer placed in front of them. The trials included the N Back-2 Test completed while at rest sitting on the cycle ergometer, while at rest with music playing, or while completing the low-intensity protocol on the cycle ergometer. It was hypothesized that simultaneous exercise would affect working memory, which aids in cognition, and that music would have no effect. No significant impacts of testing conditions were found on working memory accuracy (Sig. = 0.900), percent misses (Sig. = 0.796), or reaction time (Sig. = 0.583). There were no significant results to support the exercise hypothesis. However, the music hypothesis was confirmed. Results show no positive or negative effect of exercise on working memory. In closing, integrating physical activity in the form of active workstations may not improve cognitive performance, yet has the potential to increase overall physical activity without diminishing work efficiency.
Recommended Citation
Repository citation: Korff, Mackenzie; Oonk, Wyatt; Checkley, Riley; and Halton, Mackenzie, "Changes in Working Memory Performance with Various Simultaneous External Stimulation" (2024). 23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024). Paper 35.
https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/curca_23/35
April 12, 2024. Copyright © 2024 Hope College, Holland, Michigan.
Comments
This research was funded by the Hope College Kinesiology Department.
Title on poster differs from abstract booklet. Poster title: Changes in Working Memory Performance with Various External Simultaneous