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he Effects of Aging and Physical Fitness on Working Memory Capacity

The Korean Journal of Cognitive and Biological Psychology / The Korean Journal of Cognitive and Biological Psychology, (P)1226-9654; (E)2733-466X
2012, v.24 no.2, pp.107-126
https://doi.org/10.22172/cogbio.2012.24.2.002

Carrie Brumback-Peltz (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Beckman Institute)
Brian A. Gordon (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Beckman Institute)
Edward McAuley (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Beckman Institute)
Gabriele Gratton (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Beckman Institute)
Monica Fabiani (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Beckman Institute)
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Abstract

Previous studies indicate that physical fitness plays a protective role against age-related cognitive decline (e.g., Colcombe & Kramer, 2003). Using event-related potentials (ERPs), we investigated age-related cognitive decline in working memory processing and whether physical fitness positively influences working memory capacity in older adults. Data from 13 younger and 25 older adults (tested for their physical fitness) were analyzed. The participants performed a modified Sternberg memory search task while ERPs were recorded. The memory set was presented in upper-case letters, with a memory set size varying from 2 to 6. A lower-case probe letter following the memory set required a positive (“old”) or negative (“new”) response. Behavioral data showed age-related but not fitness-related differences. The ERPs, elicited by the memory set, showed (a) an age effect in the posterior P1 component, and (b) age and fitness effects in the frontal negativity. These results suggest that age affects general working memory processes, but physical fitness may help specifically to reduce the decline of working memory capacity.

keywords
aging, physical fitness, working memory capacity, event-related potentials(ERPs), frontal negativity, 노화, 신체 건강, 작업 기억 용량, 사건관련전위, 전두성 부적전위

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