Cognitive Function Response to Acute Exercise in Major Depressive Disorder and the Effect of Depression Severity
Date
2021-05
Authors
Buckert, Allison
Major Professor
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Meyer, Jacob
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Abstract
28 participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (N=28; 67% female; 30.6±9 years old) completed the study and were separated into Severe and Mild MDD using a median split based on the average of their perceived depression severity on visits two and three. After an initial intake, individuals participated in two visits. During visit two and three, the order was randomly assigned to either complete a 30- minute biking session or quiet rest session first. During the exercise session, participants pedaled at a moderate intensity on a stationary bike and were monitored for an additional 75 minutes. During quiet rest, participants were seated on the bike but did not pedal for 30-minutes and were monitored for an additional 75 minutes. The Stroop Task was completed at six time points (PRE, MID, POST, 25POST, 50POST, 75POST) during both sessions to test cognitive function. Analysis showed severity did not significantly influence the effect of exercise compared to quiet rest across time on reaction time or accuracy. Reaction time was significantly different at the MID timepoint (exercise was lower) and 25POST (quiet rest was lower). Further research could be done to explore the effect of exercise versus a quiet rest session on cognitive function.
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