Abstract
Group fitness classes hold qualities that promote cortically and socially engaging exercise. This is key amongst young people in an increasingly sedentary society. Yet, few studies have compared the cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL) of group fitness class exercisers with individual exercisers and non-exercisers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between group fitness class participation, cognitive performance and QoL. One hundred and sixty-four university students were self-assigned to one of three exercise groups according to a demographics and exercise habits questionnaire. These groups were either group fitness exercisers (GF), individual exercisers (IE) or non-exercisers (NE). Participants completed three experimental sessions over three weeks. In session one, after completing the demographics and exercise habits questionnaire, they completed the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and the Flanker task to measure inhibitory control. In session two, participants completed the Groton Maze Learning Task (GMLT) to measure visuospatial working memory. In session three, participants completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT) to measure cost-benefit decision-making and undertook the SF-36 questionnaire for the second time. In between sessions, participants kept an exercise diary. Findings were mixed, generally suggesting that non exercisers (NE) showcased better cognitive performance compared to exercisers (GF + IE), and that GF and IE showcased better QoL compared to NE. However, significant findings were only seen in a limited number of cognitive performance measures and QoL domains. Limitations and future directions are discussed. Such pilot findings provide an avenue for further research to be explored to inform optimal lifestyle choices in young people.