Research on physical activity and cognition is based on the existing theoretical and empirical evidence which indicates that engaging in cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive capabilities, by increasing neural functioning which improves learning (cognitive development). The question this research sought to answer was to determine whether or not (a) increased amounts of exercise improves cognitive recall and comprehension; and (b) there is a difference in cognitive recall and comprehension abilities when engaging in exercise occurs before a learning activity as compared to after a learning activity.

This experimental pretest-posttest study examined whether or not a physical activity intervention improved community college students’ recall and comprehension of recently learned information. The cardiovascular exercise intervention included two levels: moderate and light exercise. In one sequence the rehearsal of information (i.e., learning) took place before the students’ engaged in exercise and in an alternate sequence, after the students have engaged in exercise.

The results of the study demonstrated that performing a moderate amount of exercise before or after rehearsing for a comprehension test significantly improved test results. The moderate exercise group also scored higher on the recall posttest than the no exercise group, yet this difference was not found to be significant. Performing a light amount of exercise demonstrated improvement in comparison to not performing any exercise. Yet, this difference was not found to be significant. Overall, the results of the research demonstrated a significant positive linear trend between increased levels of physical activity and comprehension.