Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Memory and Attention Following One Night of Sleep Loss: Results of a Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Background
Sleep-loss is a severe problem in night-shift workers. It causes fatigue and a decrease in awareness that may be counter-acted by exercise. This randomised controlled study in 22 university students investigated the effects of exercise on cognitive and physical performance following sleep deprivation.
Methods
We were comparing a single bout of a 20-minutes circuit training to control in an experimental setting of overnight sleep loss. Outcomes included memory, cognitive tasks, and physical parameters. The occurrence of false memories was considered being the main outcome.
Results
Exercise did not exert significant effects on false memories (p = 0.456). We could detect a trend to significanxe (p < 0.01) assessing cognitive dimensions, i.e. selective and sustained attention, and visual scanning speed. This revealed strong effects of exercise on attention (p = 0.091; Cohen’s d = 0.76; ∆14%), cognitive performance, performance speed, and perceived sleepiness (p = 0.008; d = 0.60; ∆2.4 cmVAS).
Conclusions
This study failed to show effects of exercise on memory function. Still, medium to strong effects on attention and consciousness can be considered clinically relevant. The results of this study encourage further research to determine its practicability and meaningfulness among night-shift workers.
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010655, registered 21. June 2016.
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Posted 04 Jan, 2021
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Memory and Attention Following One Night of Sleep Loss: Results of a Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Posted 04 Jan, 2021
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
On 20 Dec, 2020
Background
Sleep-loss is a severe problem in night-shift workers. It causes fatigue and a decrease in awareness that may be counter-acted by exercise. This randomised controlled study in 22 university students investigated the effects of exercise on cognitive and physical performance following sleep deprivation.
Methods
We were comparing a single bout of a 20-minutes circuit training to control in an experimental setting of overnight sleep loss. Outcomes included memory, cognitive tasks, and physical parameters. The occurrence of false memories was considered being the main outcome.
Results
Exercise did not exert significant effects on false memories (p = 0.456). We could detect a trend to significanxe (p < 0.01) assessing cognitive dimensions, i.e. selective and sustained attention, and visual scanning speed. This revealed strong effects of exercise on attention (p = 0.091; Cohen’s d = 0.76; ∆14%), cognitive performance, performance speed, and perceived sleepiness (p = 0.008; d = 0.60; ∆2.4 cmVAS).
Conclusions
This study failed to show effects of exercise on memory function. Still, medium to strong effects on attention and consciousness can be considered clinically relevant. The results of this study encourage further research to determine its practicability and meaningfulness among night-shift workers.
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010655, registered 21. June 2016.
Figure 1
Figure 2