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.

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Apr 13th, 3:00 PM Apr 13th, 4:00 PM

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.