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The effects of exercise at different temperatures on cognitive function: A systematic review

Donnan, Kate; Williams, Emily L.; Morris, Jade L.; Stanger, Nicholas

Authors

Profile image of Kate Donnan

Dr Kate Donnan K.J.Donnan@hull.ac.uk
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Emily L. Williams

Jade L. Morris

Nicholas Stanger



Abstract

To date, no review has focused specifically on the potential modulating role of environmental temperature on the effects of exercise on cognitive function. Despite this, a range of occupations and performance contexts exist (e.g., military personnel, emergency services, sport) where the maintenance of cognitive function in environmentally challenging environments is crucial. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the experimental research investigating how manipulating environmental temperature influenced the effects of acute bouts exercise on cognitive functioning from pre-to-post exercise, or during exercise. Studies to be included were assessed by two authors reviewing title, abstract, and then full-text. From the searches conducted, twenty articles were identified which met the inclusion criteria. For the purpose of this review, exercise involved in each study was categorised into low, moderate, and vigorous dosages (dependent on intensity and duration). The results indicate that moderate dosages of exercise help stimulate improved cognitive performance from pre-to-post exercise in temperate conditions, where cold exposure appears to blunt these effects. In addition, hot environments led to cognitive decrements during and post exercise which were often identified in studies that implemented prolonged moderate or vigorous exercise protocols. Therefore, suggesting a combination of heightened physiological strain from increased dose of exercise, alongside heat exposure, can be detrimental to optimal cognitive functioning, whereby executive functioning tasks appeared to be most affected. The findings from this systematic review highlight the potential modulating role of environmental temperature on the effects of exercise on cognitive function. Thus, highlighting the importance of considering the role of environmental temperature for individuals either exercising to elicit desired cognitive benefits or for those involved in physically demanding occupations or performance domains.

Citation

Donnan, K., Williams, E. L., Morris, J. L., & Stanger, N. (2021). The effects of exercise at different temperatures on cognitive function: A systematic review. Psychology of sport and exercise, 54, Article 101908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101908

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2021
Online Publication Date Feb 5, 2021
Publication Date May 1, 2021
Deposit Date Jan 25, 2023
Publicly Available Date Jan 27, 2023
Journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Print ISSN 1469-0292
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 54
Article Number 101908
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101908
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4187550
Related Public URLs https://eprints.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/id/eprint/7650/

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