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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.02.14.528466

High-intensity physical activity enhances cognitive decision processes

Davranche, K.·Giraud, D.·Hays, A.·Gajdos, T.
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Abstract

This study investigates the acute impact of high-intensity activity on perceptual decision-making, using computational modeling to assess changes during and after physical activity. Participants performed a two-alternative forced choice perceptual decision-making task at rest (pre- and post-exercise) and during six of eight 5-minute cycling bouts (totaling 47 minutes) under dual-task condition, while maintaining an average intensity of 86 {+/-} 7% of their maximum heart rate. Drift diffusion modeling was applied to accuracy and reaction time data to estimate changes in evidence accumulation (drift rate), decision threshold (boundary separation), and non-decision processes (ter). Results revealed improved post-exercise performance, characterized by shorter non-decision time, potentially reflecting a transient improvement in motor or perceptual efficiency. During ongoing physical activity, results indicate that exercise is associated with a decrease in non-decision time and an increase in the efficiency of evidence accumulation, while response caution remains stable. These findings provide novel insights into how sustained high-intensity exercise modulates perceptual decision-making dynamics under physiological stress.

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Davranche, K., Giraud, D., Hays, A., Gajdos, T.. 2023-02-14. High-intensity physical activity enhances cognitive decision processes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.14.528466

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