Acute aerobic exercise effects on cognitive function in breast cancer survivors: a randomized crossover trial

BackgroundMany breast cancer survivors (BCS) report deficits in cognitive function. Physical activity (PA) has been associated with better processing speed and memory in healthy adults and thus may be a useful method for improving cognition in BCS. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of PA on processing speed and spatial working memory in a sample of BCS.MethodsUsing a repeated measures, crossover design, BCS [N=27; M-age (SD)=49.11(8.05)] completed two sessions in counterbalanced order: 30min of moderate-intensity treadmill walking and 30min of seated rest. Women completed cognitive tasks immediately before and after each session.ResultsWithin-subjects repeated measures analyses of variance revealed a significant time by session effect for processing speed reaction time [F (1,25)=5.02, p=.03, 2=0.17]. This interaction was driven by significantly reduced reaction time (e.g., faster response) post-exercise and no change post-rest. Further between-subjects analyses indicated a significant time by session by moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) split [F (1,25)=5.23, p=.03, 2=0.17], such that women who engaged in 45min of average daily MVPA reduced their reaction time post-exercise (p=.01) and increased RT post-rest (p=.06). Time by session effects for spatial working memory 3-item accuracy and 4-item reaction time trended towards significance, p=0.08 and p=0.10, respectively, again driven by better performance post-exercise.ConclusionsThe moderate effect of acute exercise on domains of memory and processing speed in BCS is encouraging. Cancer-related cognitive impairment remains largely misunderstood; however, the results from the present study offer preliminary evidence for the positive relationship between acute exercise and cognition in BCS.