# Effects of prolonged aerobic exercise and training intensity on memory cognition

**Authors:** Xinnan Li, Junwei Qian, Jiajin Tong, Zhonghui He, Gianpiero Greco, Efrem Kentiba, Efrem Kentiba, Efrem Kentiba, Efrem Kentiba, Efrem Kentiba

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294381 · PLOS One · 2025-02-26

## TL;DR

This study shows that both moderate and low-intensity aerobic exercises improve college students' knowledge levels, regardless of gender.

## Contribution

The study introduces new evidence on how different aerobic exercise intensities affect knowledge acquisition in college students.

## Key findings

- Both moderate and low-intensity aerobic exercises positively impact knowledge levels in college students.
- No significant gender-related differences were observed in knowledge acquisition after aerobic exercise.
- Aerobic exercise interventions can be tailored based on intensity to enhance learning outcomes.

## Abstract

This study aims to explore whether the impact of varying aerobic exercise intensities on knowledge acquisition is influenced by exercise intensity and gender. The results lay the groundwork for selecting suitable aerobic exercise intervention programs, considering exercise intensity and gender, to enhance knowledge acquisition. Employing a mixed-design approach, a sample of 569 college students engaged in 8 weeks of aerobic exercise sessions with moderate and low intensity, incorporating basketball and badminton. Knowledge acquisition effects were assessed using questionnaires targeting distinct knowledge levels. Declarative and procedural knowledge levels across different acquisition types were evaluated pre and post-exercise intervention for the low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and control groups. The findings reveal that both moderate and low-intensity aerobic exercises distinctly and positively impact college students’ knowledge levels, with no discernible gender-related alterations.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) [NCBI Gene 627] {aka ANON2, BULN2}, CLU (clusterin) [NCBI Gene 1191] {aka AAG4, APO-J, APOJ, CLI, CLU1, CLU2}
- **Diseases:** declines in cognitive function (MESH:D003072), enhancement (MESH:C564835), brain inflammation (MESH:D004660), inflammatory (MESH:D007249), depression (MESH:D003866)
- **Chemicals:** oxygen (MESH:D010100), dopamine (MESH:D004298), Polar (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

7 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11864540/full.md

## References

46 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11864540/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11864540