# Comparative effects of single-task and dual-task acute moderate-intensity exercise on cortisol and cognitive performance

## TL;DR

This study compares how single-task and dual-task exercise affect cortisol levels and cognitive performance in young adults.

## Contribution

The study reveals that dual-task exercise leads to greater cortisol increases and cognitive benefits than single-task exercise.

## Key findings

- Dual-task exercise significantly increased cortisol levels, unlike single-task running.
- Both exercises improved reaction times on cognitive tasks, but not accuracy.
- Cortisol increases were linked to better performance on working memory and spatial tasks.

## Abstract

Acute physical exercise elicits neuroendocrine responses that may transiently modulate cognitive performance. While moderate-intensity single-task exercise (e.g., running) has been shown to improve cognition, the acute cognitive and hormonal effects of dual-task exercise, which involves cognitive load, remain underexplored.

This study aims to compare the effects of moderate-intensity single-task (5-km run) and dual-task (orienteering) exercise on salivary cortisol levels and cognitive performance in healthy young adults.

Twenty-one male college students (age: 20.57 ± 2.57 years) participated in a randomized crossover design. Each participant completed both exercise conditions. Salivary cortisol and cognitive performance (assessed via 2-Back, Mental Rotation, and Bells visual search tests) were measured before and after exercise. Exercise intensity was standardized using VO₂max, and heart rate was continuously monitored.

Orienteering elicited a significant increase in salivary cortisol (p < 0.01), whereas 5-km run did not. Both exercises significantly improved reaction times (RTs) on the 2-Back and Mental Rotation tasks (p < 0.01), though no significant improvements in task accuracy were observed (p > 0.05). Performance on the Bells task improved post-exercise but showed no correlation with cortisol changes. Increases in cortisol were positively associated with RTs and accuracy improvements on working memory and spatial tasks, but not with visual search.

Dual-task exercise induced stronger neuroendocrine responses and broader cognitive benefits compared to single-task running. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive demands into exercise routines may enhance acute cortisol-driven facilitation of executive functions, highlighting the importance of such exercises in programs targeting cognitive and brain health.