Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Influences on Executive Function in Daily Living

Abstract

Today, work and learning environments are obesogenic, as individuals of all ages are seated for more than 6 h a day. This is despite the emerging evidence that increased cerebral blood flow may enhance executive function, immediately following a brief bout of physical activity. This chapter will provide an overview of the direct and indirect effects of physical activity from both acute and chronic perspectives. In addition, brain imaging evidence will be described. Specifically, one subsection would overview the effects of sedentary (i.e., sitting) and active behavior (i.e., standing and walking) on O2 uptake and neural activation on brain function and structure.