Kuwamizu, R. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2024

Exercising with virtual reality is potentially better for the working memory and positive mood than cycling alone

Although virtual reality (VR) exercise has attracted attention as a factor in exercise habituation due to its mood-enhancing effects, its impact on brain function remains unclear. This study, involving 23 healthy university students, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore how VR exercise affects working memory, a key executive function, and its underlying neural mechanisms. Our findings indicate that a 10-min VR exercise session improved mood (arousal and vitality level) and working memory task performance (3-back task) more effectively than exercise or rest alone. Furthermore, the results confirmed that increased vitality from exercise and VR exercise interventions was associated with improved 3-back task performance. However, specific brain regions contributing to this enhancement remain unidentified. These results highlight VR exercise as the optimal exercise program for enhancing working memory function by increasing vitality level. These insights underscore VRs potential as a novel exercise modality with benefits extending beyond exercise adherence to potentially preventing dementia and depression.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Slow running benefits: Boosts in mood and facilitation of prefrontal cognition even at very light intensity

Although running upright has been reported to have positive effects on both physical and mental health, the minimum running intensity/speed that would benefit mood and prefrontal cognition is not yet clear. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the acute effect of very slow running, which is classified as a very light intensity exercise, on mood, executive function (EF), and their neural substrates in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Twenty-four healthy participants completed a 10-minute very slow running session on a treadmill at 35% [Formula] and a resting control session in randomized order. EF was measured using the Stroop task and the mood state was measured using the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale (TDMS) before and after both sessions. Cortical hemodynamic changes while performing the task were monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The results show that ten minutes of very slow running significantly enhanced mood, reduced Stroop interference time (i.e., enhanced EF), and elicited left lateral PFC activation. Moreover, head acceleration, the magnitude of up-and-down oscillations, was measured during running, and a significant positive correlation with pleasant mood was found. Head acceleration is a remarkable characteristic of running and may be one of the factors related to a pleasant mood induced by very slow running. In conclusion, the current study reveals that a single bout of running, even at very slow speed, elicits a pleasant mood and improved executive function with enhancing activation in prefrontal subregions. This shed light on the slow running benefits to brain health.

neuroscience↗