The effects of different protocols of physical exercise and rest on long-term memory

[Display omitted] •Different protocols of physical exercise were compared.•Interventions were administered after encoding of stimuli.•Memory performance following passive-rest was better than active-rest.•Moderate continuous exercise improved memory performance the most. Whilst there are many studies comparing the different effects of exercise on long-term memory, these typically adopt varying intensities, durations, and behavioural measures. Furthermore, few studies provide direct comparisons between exercise and different types of rest. Therefore, by providing a standardised methodological design, this study will ascertain the most effective intensity and protocol of exercise for the modulation of long-term memory, whilst directly comparing it to different types rest. This was achieved using the same old/new recognition memory test and an 80–90 min retention interval. Three experiments were performed (total N = 59), each with a three-armed crossover design measuring the extent to which physical exercise and wakeful rest can influence long-term memory performance. In Experiment 1, the effects of continuous moderate intensity exercise (65–75% HRmax), passive rest (no cognitive engagement) and active rest (cognitively engaged) were explored. In Experiment 2, continuous moderate intensity exercise was compared to a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and passive rest. Experiment 3 observed the effects of low- (55–65% HRmax), moderate- and high-intensity (75–85% HRmax) continuous exercise. Across the three experiments moderate intensity exercise had the greatest positive impact on memory performance. Although not significant, HIIT was more effective than passive-rest, and passive rest was more effective than active rest. Our findings suggest that it is not necessary to physically overexert oneself in order to achieve observable improvements to long-term memory. By also investigating wakeful rest, we reaffirmed the importance of the cognitive engagement during consolidation for the formation of long-term memories.