Cardiovascular Exercise Improves Inhibitory Control in Sedentary Young Adults: A 12-wk Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Purpose Physical exercise may enhance cognitive functions, including inhibitory control. Despite increasing evidence, there remains a need for robust evidence on long-term interventions targeting inhibition in healthy, sedentary young adults. We investigated the effects of a 12-wk cardiovascular exercise program on this population’s behavioral and neuroelectric measures of inhibitory control. Methods Sedentary young adults were randomized into an experimental group ( n = 32) or a passive control group ( n = 30). The experimental group completed a cycling ergometer program consisting of 6 wk of moderate-intensity continuous exercise, followed by 6 wk of moderate- to high-intensity interval exercise. Inhibitory control was assessed at baseline (pretest), after 6 wk (midtest), and after the intervention (posttest) using a modified flanker task with EEG recordings. Assessed outcomes included response time (RT) and event-related potentials (the amplitude and latency of the N2 and P3b components). Results The experimental group exhibited a progressive reduction in RT for incongruent trials across all time points (pretest to midtest, midtest to posttest, and pretest to posttest) without compromising accuracy. The control group showed RT reductions only from pretest to posttest, with a decline in overall accuracy. Neuroelectric analyses revealed decreased N2 amplitudes and faster P3b latencies in the experimental group from midtest to posttest during incongruent trials. The control group demonstrated increased N2 amplitudes from pretest to midtest and pretest to posttest during congruent trials. Conclusions A 12-wk cardiovascular exercise intervention combining moderate-intensity continuous exercise and moderate- to high-intensity interval exercise enhances both behavioral and neuroelectric indices of inhibitory control in sedentary young adults. These findings highlight the potential of exercise programs as an accessible and effective strategy for improving cognitive health, especially in healthy but sedentary adults.