Author(s): GLÄTTLI, A., GERBER, M., ANNEN, H., LUDYGA, S. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BASEL / MILITARY ACADEMY (MILAC) AT ETH ZURICH, Country: SWITZERLAND, Abstract-ID: 1709

Introduction
Prospective memory is a cognitive ability required to remember to perform an intended task without an explicit reminder. Research showed that this ability is linked to other higher-order cognitive functions, such as working memory or attentional processes (Ball et al., 2022). Physical exercise is known to be related to executive function and further, research found that a single session of endurance exercise can enhance performance in such abilities (Ludyga et al., 2016). Due to an overlap in underlying neural structures in executive function and prospective memory, it’s likely that acute effects of exercise will also influence the latter (Loprinzi et al., 2018). This study aimed to investigate a possible link between prospective memory, executive function and physical activity and further, evaluate the potential of one single exercise session on prospective memory performance.
Methods
98 schoolchildren completed a prospective memory task embedded in a 1-Back and Flanker paradigm. The Flanker task served as a distractor after prospective cues were introduced and participants had to remember that prospective trials embedded in a subsequent 1-Back task required a different response. Participants were then randomly assigned to either an experimental group (25-minute endurance exercise) or a control group (25-min stretching). After the intervention, the cognitive assessment was repeated. Physical activity was recorded over seven consecutive days using accelerometers and the 7-day physical activity recall questionnaire.
Results
With regard to the chronic exercise paradigm, partial correlations that controlled for age and sex showed that higher MVPA was associated with higher accuracy on the prospective memory task. VPA was positively associated with executive function performance. In contrast, linear mixed models showed no effect of a single exercise session on prospective memory and executive function.
Discussion
The association of physical exercise and prospective memory differed based on the exercise paradigm. Children with higher physical activity levels showed better prospective memory performance. However, engagement in a single exercise session does not necessarily lead to an improvement in prospective memory. This provides an indication that prospective memory seems to be more sensitive to long-term changes in regular physical activity and exercise levels.

Ball, B. H., Wiemers, E. A., & Brewer, G. A. (2022). Individual differences in memory and attention processes in prospective remembering. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 29(3), 922–933.
Loprinzi, P. D., Edwards, M. K., & Frith, E. (2018). Exercise and Prospective Memory. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 8(2), 51–59.
Ludyga, S., Gerber, M., Brand, S., Holsboer‐Trachsler, E., & Pühse, U. (2016). Acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on specific aspects of executive function in different age and fitness groups: A meta‐analysis. Psychophysiology, 53(11), 1611–1626.