Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Kinesiology

College

College of Health and Human Performance

First Advisor

Marcos Daou, PhD.

Abstract/Description

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and executive function, specifically focusing on inhibitory control and working memory capacity. Though the benefits of exercise on brain health are well-documented, the extent of cognitive differences between sedentary individuals and elite student-athletes remains misunderstood. Eighty participants (ages 18–35) were categorized via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) into sedentary, low, and advanced activity tiers. Participants completed computational assessments, including the Operation Span (OSPAN) task for working memory and Go/No-Go tasks to measure response inhibition and implicit associations. Preliminary results indicated significant differences in sedentary behavior, with the advanced exercise group demonstrating significantly less sitting time (P < .001). While psychological traits like self-efficacy and self-esteem remained consistent across groups, a significant trend emerged in the Relative Autonomy Index (RAI), suggesting higher intrinsic motivation in active tiers (P = .042). These findings demonstrate that higher physical activity levels correlate with improved behavioral regulation and reduced sedentary habits, emphasizing the role of exercise in maintaining cognitive and psychological capacity.

Comments

You page did not allow me to add Gemma's major on your Degree name box. She is graduating in Exercise and Sports Science, and not in SCIENE OR ARTS (as the only options you had it).

Since I have seen anything related to embargo, I didn't select anything...and the same with media streaming,

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