Does a Single Bout of Exercise Improve Memory and Learning?

Physical activity in general, and a single bout of exercise in particular, has been found to have a positive effect on memory and learning. However, findings have shown different results for declarative memory (explicit knowledge) and procedural memory (implicit knowledge). The aim of this interventional study was to investigate the effects of a single bout of moderate-to-vigorous exercise during memory consolidation on both memory types compared to physical inactivity. A between-within group study design consisted of two test sessions with 24 hours in between. Forty-four participants were randomized into an exercise group (18 males, 4 females, M = 24 years) or a control group (18 males, 4 females, M = 25.2 years). Both groups underwent memory testing the first day, with the exercise group afterwards performing a single bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (cycling) for approximately 30 minutes. Memory tests were repeated the second day. Results showed that the improvement for the exercise group was significantly better compared to the control group on measures of procedural memory. No differences were found regarding declarative memory.