Objective: Previous studies report that exercise improves cognition in older adults; however, few studies have researched the role of arousal on improvements in cognition after exercise. This study aims to understand how arousal acutely affects cognition after light and moderate intensity exercise interventions.

Method: Cognitively normal older adults (N = 34) were enrolled into a randomized clinical trial where they were asked to complete a cognitive task in an fMRI scanner. This was completed acutely after light and moderate intensity exercise and after a 12-week exercise intervention. Arousal was measured before and after exercise through self-report and a direct measure of physiological activation of the sympathetic nervous system with galvanic skin response (GSR)

Results: We predict that GSR can be used to measure change in arousal after exercise and that this change will be a significant factor in improving cognition.

Implication: If GSR can be used as a measurement of change in arousal after exercise, this can help future researchers to better understand the impact of exercise on the aging brain.