The moderating role of aerobic exercise in the relationship between stress and cognitive functions

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the effect of stress on cognitive failures and the potential moderating role of aerobic exercise. A total of 290 university students participated, and moderation analysis was conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Model 1 (Version 4.2). Results showed that stress alone did not significantly predict cognitive failures. However, aerobic exercise appeared to play a potential moderating role in this relationship. Specifically, a significant association between stress and cognitive failures was observed among moderate- and high-intensity exercisers, while no such effect was found in low-intensity exercisers. Additionally, sleep duration was negatively associated with cognitive failures. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise may influence the relationship between stress and cognitive failures, although further investigation is needed to establish this effect more conclusively.