THE EFFECTS OF HABITUAL EXERCISE ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION, SUBJECTIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS RESPONSES TO ACUTE STRESS

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of habitual exercise on executive function, subjective- and physiological stress responses to acute stress. Twelve university students participated in this study. All of the subjects underwent evaluations of their executive functions and subjective- and physiological-stress acceptance before and after 30-min stress induction (Beans move task).The Exercise group demonstrated higher executive function than the Inactive group. Subjective score for acute stress was increased by the Beans move task, and the Exercise group indicates less increment of subjective score for acute stress than the Inactive group. The relative change of subjective score for acute stress by the Beans move task was negatively correlated with that of executive function. This study demonstrates that increment of subjective score for acute stress induces impairment of executive function. Habitual exercise improves executive function and inhibit decline of executive function associated with increment in subjective stress.