| dc.description.abstract | Exercise has been proven to be beneficial to not only physical health, but also cognitive
function. Few studies have looked at the effects of increased heart rate on cognitive function in
young adults. In this experiment, reaction time tests were used as a measure of cognitive
function, which were administered at rest, after maintaining 60% of maximum heart rate for 45
seconds, and after maintaining 80% of maximum heart rate for 45 seconds on 20 participants
(mean = 21.45 years). The relationship between reaction time and blood oxygen saturation
(%SpO2) were also analyzed. Results indicated that overall, reaction time improved (decreased)
after the heart rate was increased to 60% of maximum heart rate but did not show significant
improvements from 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate. There was no significant relationship
between %SpO2 and reaction time. Findings suggest that as heart rate increases, %SpO2 slowly
decreases. A positive relationship between increased heart rate and reaction time is suggested.
These results could potentially have implications for advising young adults to engage in warm up
exercises before sporting events for an increase in reaction time. | en_US |
