Motor preparation is affected by physical inactivity in young adults

Abstract

Motor preparation is affected by physical inactivity in young adults Anson, Greg G., Cirrillo, John, Srzich, Alexa, Finch, Jonathan B., University of Auckland "Physical inactivity is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide" (Kohl, et al., 2012, Lancet, 380: 294-305). The effects of physical inactivity on cognitive performance are poorly understood. We measured simple and choice reaction time, and event-related potentials in 8 physically active (PA) and 8 physically inactive (PI) young adults (18-24 yrs) performing a key-press task. We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to screen participants before assignment to the PA or PI group. Physical inactivity was associated with significantly slower reaction time (p<.05), smaller contingent negative variation (CNV) amplitude and diminished lateralised readiness potentials. These results indicate that in tasks requiring rapid processing of precued information, physical inactivity impairs optimal motor preparation. Diminished CNV amplitudes associated with physical inactivity may signal reduced attention to motor preparation during the foreperiod following the precue before the imperative stimulus is presented.