Heart rate variability (HRV), a biomarker that measures the time interval between heartbeats, is widely used as an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and functioning (Cleveland Clinic). Research suggests that higher HRV correlates to better memory, cognition, and executive functioning in young adult populations, and may serve as a predictor for early-onset cognitive impairment (Forte, 2019). The impact of interactive cognitive and physical exercise systems (iPACES) has been shown to enhance executive functioning across populations, signifying a connection between exercise and cognitive improvement (Anderson-Hanley, 2017). The current study hypothesizes that HRV will increase following participation in cognitive and physical exercise due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. A secondary hypothesis predicts that individuals with a higher baseline HRV will perform better on cognitive tasks, reflecting greater cognitive flexibility. Thirty participants took part in this single bout study. For 14 participants, HRV was recorded before and after 20 minutes of iPACES pedal-n-play, which was assessed using a heart rate monitor located on an Apple Watch. Executive functioning was assessed through an electronic Stroop (eStroop), paper Stroop, and Digit Span backward, before and after a 20-minute iPACES intervention session. Future analyses will examine whether a significant relationship exists between participants' HRV before and after iPACES intervention, and whether executive functioning tasks are correlated with HRV. Statistical measures will include a paired t-test, and Pearson's correlation.
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