Exercise and the Brain: What Can FIT-U do For You?

Abstract

This project was a pilot study exploring the effects of an aerobic program, FIT-U, and factors influencing cognitive outcomes for healthy aging individuals and those with neurogenic cognitive-communicative disorders. While aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognition in both cases, this study looked into the factors that influence this phenomenon. Three regular attendees of FIT-U were given a letter fluency test before and after FIT-U, using different letters each time, but balanced in terms of difficulty. By using single subject methodology, the data were consistent with a trend towards improved VF scores following each FIT-U session for two participants. However, the individual with a lower baseline cognitive function did not appear to be getting the same cognitive benefits as healthy aging individuals. This emphasizes the importance of measuring baseline cognitive functioning and perhaps altering program parameters so everyone can get an equal cognitive benefit.