Multiple Joint, Structural Barbell Resistance Exercise Improves Information Processing Speed

Barbell back squat, press, and deadlift for three sets of five repetitions with the weight closest to 75% of their estimated 1 repetition max. The participants were instructed to execute the movement with moderate speed (2s eccentric, 2s concentric, no pause in between). The rest period between sets and exercise movements was two to three minutes.

Participants completed a passive stretching exercise session for a similar duration of time as the resistance exercise (≈ 30 min) as sham intervention, which included 15-20 stretching movements twice, holding each for 30 seconds as recommended by ACSM.