Relationship between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Function in Male College Students

A growing number of studies have suggested a positive association between physical fitness and cognitive function among adults. However, the magnitude of the association is affected by several potential factors, and the specifics of the relationship are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study attempted to examine the correlations between various physical fitness types and cognitive performance, by considering as two potential factors. One hundred sixty-three male college students were recruited for this study. Physical fitness of participants, including cardiovascular fitness, muscular power, flexibility, muscle endurance and body mass index were measured. Cognitive performance was measured via the Stroop test that assessed basic information processing and inhibition aspect of executive function. The results indicated that cardiovascular fitness was positively associated with the task conditions reflected in executive functions. Muscle power was positively associated with all conditions related to Stroop test. Moreover, muscle endurance and flexibility was positively correlated to executive function and non-executive functions, respectively, whereas none of these relationships was observed with body mass index and the Stroop test performance. The present study suggested that specific physical fitness indices might exhibit selective beneficial effects on cognitive function, which was in line with previously proposed selective improvement hypothesis. Our study further extended the hypothesis to other type of physical fitness. Finally, several potential underlying mechanisms, with respective of neuroelectrical, brain function, and psychological aspects were provided for future research.