Efectos agudos del ejercicio físico sobre el rendimiento cognitivo en adultos jóvenes. Estudio transversal comparativo

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise can acutely affect cognitive performance, especially executive functions such as selective attention and inhibitory control. However, the differential impact of anaerobic versus aerobic exercise in young adults remains unclear. Objective: To compare the immediate effects of an anaerobic exercise session (400 meters) and an aerobic exercise session (5000 meters) on cognitive performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 physically active young adults assigned to either an anaerobic or aerobic group. Socio-demographic, anthropo-metric variables and heart rate were assessed. Cognitive performance was measured using the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) before and after exercise. The maximum heart rate was recorded during the intervention. T-tests were applied and effect sizes calculated. Results: No significant baseline differences were found between groups. After exercise, both groups showed significant increases in heart rate and SCWT response times (p < 0.001). The anaerobic group showed greater increases in reaction times and cognitive interference with large effect sizes (d = 7.50 to 10.28), indicating greater cognitive impairment. The aerobic group exhibited more moderate increases and less cognitive impact (d = 0.58 to 4.47). Post-exercise heart rate was higher in the aerobic group (p < 0.001; d = 1.96). Conclusion: Intense anaerobic exercise causes a more pronounced acute cognitive decline than pro-longed aerobic exercise, despite a lower sustained cardiovascular load. These findings may guide the design of training and rehabilitation programs considering post-exercise cognitive function.