This study compared prefrontal cortex hemodynamics and working memory performance following exhaustive aquatic exercise between endurance athletes and physically active individuals. Twenty-two healthy male participants aged 18-30 years, including 10 endurance athletes and 12 physically active controls, completed an incremental stepping exercise to exhaustion during head-out water immersion. The exercise was performed on a 20-cm step at xiphoid-level water depth, with cadence beginning at 18 steps/min and increasing by 2 steps/min every 30 seconds. Approximately 5 minutes after exercise, participants completed a seated 2-back working memory task while prefrontal cortex hemodynamic responses were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Cognitive performance and prefrontal hemodynamic responses were compared between the two groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
Participants performed stepping exercise on a 20-cm step during head-out water immersion at approximately xiphoid depth and approximately 30 °C water temperature. The protocol began at 18 steps/min, with cadence increasing by 2 steps/min every 30 seconds, and continued until exhaustion.
Manisa Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, PERFORMS Laboratory
Manisa, Turkey (Türkiye)
Prefrontal Oxygenated Hemoglobin (HbO) During the 2-Back Task
Whole-prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the post-exercise 2-back task. HbO represents a baseline-referenced relative concentration change referenced to the 30-s post-exercise pre-task resting baseline and averaged across the five 2-back blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
Prefrontal Deoxygenated Hemoglobin (HbR) During the 2-Back Task
Whole-prefrontal deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the post-exercise 2-back task. HbR represents a baseline-referenced relative concentration change referenced to the 30-s post-exercise pre-task resting baseline and averaged across the five 2-back blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
Correct Responses During the 2-Back Task
Number of correct responses (hits) to target trials during the 2-back working memory task, pooled across five blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
Incorrect Responses During the 2-Back Task
Number of incorrect responses (false alarms) to non-target trials during the 2-back working memory task, pooled across five blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
Reaction Time for Correct Responses During the 2-Back Task
Reaction time, in seconds, for correct responses (hits) during the 2-back working memory task, pooled across five blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
Prefrontal Total Hemoglobin (HbT) During the 2-Back Task
Whole-prefrontal total hemoglobin (HbT), calculated as HbO + HbR, was assessed during the post-exercise 2-back task. HbT represents a secondary derived, baseline-referenced relative concentration change referenced to the 30-s post-exercise pre-task resting baseline and averaged across the five 2-back blocks.
Time frame: During the 2-back task beginning 5 minutes after exercise cessation
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