ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2013, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (10): 1844-1850.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2013.01844

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Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Executive Control and Brain Function

JIANG Changhao;CHEN Tingting   

  1. (1 Beijing Key Lab of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Tech Analysis, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China) (2 Beijing Key Lab of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China)
  • Received:2012-11-21 Online:2013-10-15 Published:2013-10-15
  • Contact: CHEN Tingting

Abstract: Aerobic exercise might not only improve physical health, but might also improve executive control and brain function. A growing body of research has detailed the beneficial relation of aerobic exercise and neurocognition. Here, we review the relevant findings on the influence of aerobic exercise on executive function. Overall, the extant literature suggests that aerobic exercise might influence the aging of brain function, serving to delay typical age-related declines in executive control. Similar to adults, aerobic exercise might facilitates children’s executive function, leading to enhanced scholastic performance and greater overall effective functioning. Aerobic fitness level even might predict executive function over time. Given the problems occurred in this field, we critically concluded with a discussion of the gap in the literature and suggestions for future research.

Key words: aerobic exercise, aerobic fitness, executive control, brain function