Van Dongen et al. (2016)

Physical Exercise Performed Four Hours after Learning Improves Memory Retention and Increases Hippocampal Pattern Similarity during Retrieval.

Background information: Long-term memory relies on successful integration of memories after encoding. This process is thought to be related to neurotransmitter activity, especially acetylcholine activity during learning, and decrease in levels during sleeping and processing of memories. (See the previous key study by Gais and Born, 2004).

Aim: To investigate the impact of acute exercise on memory consolidation and neural processing during retrieval.

Method: 72 participants were randomly assigned to one of three age- and gender-matched groups; all learned 90 picture-location associations over a period of approximately 40 min.

Following a baseline recall test (Test 1), one group performed exercise immediately, one 4 hrs later, and the third did not perform any exercise.

48 hours later, participants returned for a recall test (Test 2) in an fMRI scanner. This allowed researchers to investigate the impact of acute exercise on memory consolidation and retrieval-related neural processing.

Results: Performing exercise 4 hours after encoding improved the retention of picture-location associations compared to the no-exercise control group.

Performing exercise after this delay was also associated with the increased hippocampal activity that was seen for correct responses during delayed retrieval.

Performing exercise immediately after the learning task had no effect on retrieval when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Appropriately timed physical exercise can improve long-term memory. This highlights the potential of exercise as an intervention in educational and clinical settings.

Evaluation:

Strengths of the study: The conditions were well-controlled, with the timing of the exercise being the only manipulated variable.

Limitations of the study: No tests of neurotransmitter levels were conducted, so it cannot be clear why this effect and the raised hippocampal activity was found. The participants were of differing levels of fitness, and so the effects of the exercise may have been different.

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