A meta-analysis by Chang, Labban, Gapin, and Etnier (2012) examines the effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance. The study analyzed 79 studies with 1034 effect sizes, revealing a small positive effect (g = 0.097) of acute exercise on cognitive performance. This effect was consistent across three paradigms: during exercise, immediately following exercise, and after a delay. The results indicate that acute exercise generally has a small positive effect on cognitive performance, though the magnitude varies depending on factors such as exercise intensity, timing of the cognitive task, cognitive task type, and participant fitness. Exercise intensity did not significantly moderate effects during exercise, but had a significant impact when assessing performance immediately after exercise. Positive effects were observed for very light, light, and moderate intensity exercises, while higher intensities had mixed results. The cognitive task type also influenced outcomes, with executive function tasks showing larger effects. Fitness level was another significant moderator, with highly fit participants showing positive effects and low-fit participants showing negative effects. The study also found that cognitive performance was more affected by exercise duration, with longer durations leading to more significant effects. The results suggest that acute exercise can have small but positive effects on cognitive performance, particularly for certain cognitive tasks and in specific populations. The study highlights the importance of considering various moderators when interpreting the effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance.A meta-analysis by Chang, Labban, Gapin, and Etnier (2012) examines the effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance. The study analyzed 79 studies with 1034 effect sizes, revealing a small positive effect (g = 0.097) of acute exercise on cognitive performance. This effect was consistent across three paradigms: during exercise, immediately following exercise, and after a delay. The results indicate that acute exercise generally has a small positive effect on cognitive performance, though the magnitude varies depending on factors such as exercise intensity, timing of the cognitive task, cognitive task type, and participant fitness. Exercise intensity did not significantly moderate effects during exercise, but had a significant impact when assessing performance immediately after exercise. Positive effects were observed for very light, light, and moderate intensity exercises, while higher intensities had mixed results. The cognitive task type also influenced outcomes, with executive function tasks showing larger effects. Fitness level was another significant moderator, with highly fit participants showing positive effects and low-fit participants showing negative effects. The study also found that cognitive performance was more affected by exercise duration, with longer durations leading to more significant effects. The results suggest that acute exercise can have small but positive effects on cognitive performance, particularly for certain cognitive tasks and in specific populations. The study highlights the importance of considering various moderators when interpreting the effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance.