Exploring the impact of acute physical activity on creative thinking: a comprehensive narrative review with a focus on activity type and intensity

Abstract Recent studies have increasingly focused on the cognitive benefits of acute physical activity, particularly in enhancing creative thinking. Despite extensive research linking physical activity and creative cognition, significant gaps remain in understanding how specific types and intensities of physical activities influence this relationship. This review aims to synthesize the current findings, highlighting the notable impact of various physical activities on creative thinking. One key finding is the enhancement of divergent thinking, a critical component of creativity, through activities like walking at a natural pace. Moderate intensity aerobic exercise and dance, though based on limited studies, also appear to facilitate divergent thinking. Additionally, vigorous intensity aerobic exercise may enhance secondary aspects of divergent thinking, including the quantity and flexibility of idea generation. However, the review also identifies multiple research gaps, especially on the effects of resistance exercise and structured moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise on creative thinking, pointing to an area ripe for future exploration. Recognizing the critical importance of creative thinking, it becomes essential to understand how different physical activities, and their intensity levels, affect creative cognition. This knowledge can guide both academic research and practical applications, offering valuable insights for targeted strategies aimed at enhancing cognitive function and creativity through physical activity in real-world settings such as classrooms and workplaces. The review underscores the need for a more comprehensive exploration of this topic, which could have significant implications for the fields of cognitive and exercise psychology.