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An online study of associations between physical activity, cognitive functioning and food choice
Recent research has illuminated the connection between physical exercise and cognitive enhancements, notably in working memory and inhibitory control. This online study investigated how cognition may mediate the link between regular physical activity and food choices.
The study recruited 660 participants aged between 18 and 65 via Prolific. Participants undertook various cognitive assessments, such as the Stroop task for inhibitory control and the N-back task for working memory. Additionally, they participated in a food choice task. The level of physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), emphasizing Total Metabolic Equivalents (METs) and vigorous METs.
The findings indicated a positive correlation between higher physical activity levels and improved cognitive performance, reflected in greater accuracy on the Stroop task and quicker response times on the N-back task. Moreover, vigorous exercise was linked to controlled food choices, favoring health over taste in dietary decisions.
Mediation analysis identified inhibitory control as a mediator in the relationship between vigorous physical activity and decision-making during tasty food trials, particularly in controlling choices and prioritizing health. However, working memory did not show the same mediating effect.
These insights suggest that vigorous physical activity can shape cognitive functions related to dietary self-regulation, potentially fostering healthier eating patterns and aiding in weight management. [NPID: exercise, physical activity, cognition, memory, inhibitory control]
Year: 2026
