Physical Activity Boosts Cognitive Resilience in Aging Adults

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Seoul conducted a study to examine the effects of physical activity levels on response time and prefrontal activation during repetitive performance of the Stroop task in older adults. The study involved 37 community-dwelling adults aged 65-85 years, who were classified into physically active (PA) and physically inactive (PI) groups. The participants completed the Stroop task in three consecutive blocks within one session, and their reaction time and oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found significant time, group, and interaction effects on reaction time, indicating that physical activity influences selective inhibition and neurophysiological responses in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Behavioral improvements were more evident than neural differences between the groups, highlighting the potential of everyday physical activity to support cognitive resilience in aging.
  • The study provides neurophysiological evidence supporting the integration of physical activity into cognitive intervention strategies for older populations.
  • Participants in the physically active group showed improved reaction time and oxygenated hemoglobin levels compared to those in the physically inactive group.
  • The study suggests that physical activity can support cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
  • Jae-Hoon Lee, the lead researcher, and his team found that physical activity can have a positive impact on cognitive function in older adults.
  • The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the importance of physical activity for brain health in older age.
  • The research highlights the potential benefits of integrating physical activity into cognitive intervention strategies for older populations.

Statistics:

  • 37 community-dwelling adults aged 65-85 years participated in the study.
  • 18 participants were classified as physically active (PA) and 19 were classified as physically inactive (PI).
  • The study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex.
  • The Stroop task was completed in three consecutive blocks within one session.
  • Reaction time was measured in milliseconds.
  • Oxygenated hemoglobin levels were measured in percent.

Sources:

  • [1] Jae-Hoon Lee, et al. (2025). Differential effects of physical activity on behavioral and prefrontal responses during repetitive inhibitory control in older adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 17.
  • [2] NewsRx. Research from Seoul in the Area of Aging Neuroscience Published (Differential effects of physical activity on behavioral and prefrontal responses during repetitive inhibitory control in older adults). Pain & Central Nervous System Week. November 3, 2025; p 131.