Jogging improved performance of a behavioral branching task: implications for prefrontal activation

We studied the effect of habitual jogging on the performance of a frontal lobe functioning test. Fourteen subjects were divided into a jogging trained group (TG) or a jogging untrained group (NG). The TG jogged for 12 weeks, for 30 min, 2.6 times per week, while the NG did not. We administered a prefrontal branching task (BR) combining a Spatial Delayed-Response Test (DR) and a Go/No-Go Test (GNG). Each test alone and a Simple Reaction Time Test (SR) were given as controls. All tests were given three times at 6 week intervals over 12 weeks in both groups. In the TG, the tests were given two times after termination of the jogging. The maximal oxygen uptake ((V)over dot (O2max)) was measured in the TG during the 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the correct performance rates in the BR task were more improved in the TG than in the NG. The control and reaction time tests were unchanged in both groups. The improved performance in the BR task in the TG decreased after stopping the jogging. The (V)over dot (O2max) increased significantly during the 12 weeks of jogging in the TG. Thus, the habitual jogging improved performance in a prefrontal BR. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and The Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.