Acute Cognition and Exercise

18 adults with healthy weight (BMI 18.5-25.0kg/m2) and 18 adults with obesity (BMI 30.0kg/m2) will be asked to complete a counter-balanced crossover trial. After initial baseline testing, participants will be asked to complete either an acute exercise bout or sedentary control session in a counter-balanced order. A cognitive testing battery accompanied by an electroencephalogram (EEG) will be administered following each session. Blood samples will be collected prior to, during, and following each throughout each testing condition.

Inclusion criteria

• Between ages 18 and 35
• No prior diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
• No prior diagnosis of metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• No physical disability that would preclude the participant from completing a VO2max test
• Corrected vision (based on the minimal 20/20 standard needed to complete cognitive tasks)
• Not pregnant
• BMI between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m2, or BMI greater than 30.0 kg/m2
• Readiness for exercise (determined through PAR-Q)

Exclusion criteria

• <18 years and >35 years
• Diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
• Diagnosis of metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• Physical disability that would preclude the participant from completing a VO2max test
• Lack of corrected vision (based on the minimal 20/20 standard needed to complete cognitive tasks)
• Pregnancy
• BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 or BMI greater than 25.0 but less than 30.0 kg/m2