Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the effect of habitual exercise and the level of daily physical activity on executive
function (i.e. inhibitory control) and mental health status in youth adults. Twenty-four undergraduate- and graduateuniversity
students participated in this study. All of the subjects underwent evaluations of their mental health (The
General Health Questionnaire 28; GHQ28), inhibitory control (Stroop Color and Word Test), past- and current- exercise
habits, and daily physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version). Current
habitual exercise and the level of low intensity physical activity were inversely correlated with score for GHQ28.
Past habitual exercise was inversely correlated with reaction time for incongruent trial of the Stroop Color and Word
Test. The level of vigorous physical activity was inversely correlated to the accuracy for incongruent trial. This study
demonstrates that the level of low intensity daily physical activity may improve inhibitory control and maintain the
optimal status of mental health, while the level of vigorous intensity physical activity might lead to an impairment of
inhibitory control in youth adults.
