Researchers from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign measured the thinking ability of 20 men and women aged 18 to 24 after 30 minutes of moderately heavy to heavy running on a treadmill.
Once the participants' heart rates had returned to resting levels, they were wired up to an instrument that measures brain waves called an electroencephalogram (EEG).
They then took two computer tests, one more difficult than the other. These results were compared with results from tests the participants took without exercising beforehand.
Brain wave measurements showed that exercising increased the speed of the decision-making process. The respondents answered more accurately after exercise then they did when they had not exercised, he noted.
No difference was found in the easier test. The difference in results was only seen with the more difficult test.
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