Does executive functions' performance at rest predict executive function performance during acute physical exercise?

Several studies have highlighted the importance of executive functions (EFs) in physical activities and sports contexts. However, most EFs assessments have been conducted with individuals at rest. The present study aimed to investigate whether EFs performance at rest predicts EFs performance while exercising. Sixty healthy males participated in three experimental sessions. Initially, a cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to determine their maximal oxygen uptake. In the second and third sessions, participants completed different versions of the Flanker/Reverse Flanker Test in a counterbalanced crossover design once at rest and once while exercising on a cycle ergometer. Our results showed small to moderate (r=0.23 to r=0.44) correlations in EFs measures between conditions. Although EFs assessment at rest predicted EFs during acute physical exercise, it is noteworthy mentioning that it explained little of the variance while exercising (5.3% to 29.8%). Moreover, the confusion matrix generated to compare the classification resulting from performance in both conditions showed low agreement that varied from 25.0% to 31.7%, indicating that the classification of EFs measures at rest is not the same as the classification made during acute physical exercise. In conclusion, the present study revealed that EFs performance at rest weakly predicts EFs performance while exercising.