Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Previous research has displayed per the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), an increased heart rate (HR) is associated with higher cognitive function due to hormone and neurotransmitter release, specifically through the release of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). The purpose of the present study is to examine if cognitive function defined by the Purdue PegBoard (PPB) is affected by targeted increases of HR maximum, as increased HR is stimulated by the SNS. METHODS: Twenty- eight healthy participants ages 20.82 ± 1.10 were recruited via email and enrolled in this study. Participants' targeted maximum HR was determined with the maximum HR equation (220-age), subsequently identifying the 50, 70 and 90% max HR values. Participants were additionally familiarized with the cycle ergometer procedure and assembly protocols on the PPB. Participants were instructed to perform the cycle ergometer procedure to activate the threshold target HR. Once a participant attained the prescribed HR, they were immediately instructed to perform the PPB protocol. Participants were allotted 30-seconds to complete as many sets as time allowed. This procedure was repeated for each target HR interval. RESULTS: A One-Way ANOVA did not display a significant difference in HR intensity and cognitive function in study participants, (F = 0.593, p = 0.555). CONCLUSION: After completing this study under the given conditions, there was no significance between targeted increases in HR and increased cognitive function as defined by the PPB. Within the parameters of this study, EPI and NE may not significantly contribute to cognitive function in accordance with increased HR. Rather, further research could be conducted to further investigate the effects of estrogen and testosterone release, per the SNS, on cognition.

Department(s)

Applied Health Sciences

Date Accepted/Awarded

Spring 5-2024

First Advisor/Reader

Christopher Carroll

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