Event Title
Cognitive Depletion in the Classroom: The Potential Moderating Effect of Physical Fitness
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Psychology, Criminal Justice
Mentor Information
Christopher Kurby, kurbyc@gvsu.edu
Department
Psychology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC 73
Start Date
13-4-2011 3:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 4:00 PM
Keywords
Social Science
Abstract
Engaging in prolonged attentional control tasks is mentally and physically depleting. What can safeguard against this depletion effect? Recent studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise increases mental functioning, such as improved executive functioning and attentional control. We tested the hypothesis that cardiovascular fitness protects against the mental depletion typically experienced from sustained attentional control during demanding tasks. Participants self-reported their weekly amount of exercise and we tested their spatial memory in a narrative comprehension task before and after a cognitive demanding task: sitting in a 35-minute lecture. Results showed some evidence for depletion on spatial memory, however there was not strong support for moderating effects of cardiovascular fitness. Results will be discussed regarding the strength model of self-control and the role of cardiovascular fitness in mental functioning.
Cognitive Depletion in the Classroom: The Potential Moderating Effect of Physical Fitness
Kirkhof Center KC 73
Engaging in prolonged attentional control tasks is mentally and physically depleting. What can safeguard against this depletion effect? Recent studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise increases mental functioning, such as improved executive functioning and attentional control. We tested the hypothesis that cardiovascular fitness protects against the mental depletion typically experienced from sustained attentional control during demanding tasks. Participants self-reported their weekly amount of exercise and we tested their spatial memory in a narrative comprehension task before and after a cognitive demanding task: sitting in a 35-minute lecture. Results showed some evidence for depletion on spatial memory, however there was not strong support for moderating effects of cardiovascular fitness. Results will be discussed regarding the strength model of self-control and the role of cardiovascular fitness in mental functioning.