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Training studies typically investigate the cumulative rather than the analytically challenging immediate effect of exercise on cognitive outcomes. We investigated the dynamic interplay between single‐session exercise intensity and time‐locked recognition speed‐accuracy scores in older adults with Alzheimer's dementia (N = 17) undergoing a 24‐week dual‐task regime. We specified a state‐of‐the‐art hierarchical Bayesian continuous‐time dynamic model with fully connected state variables to analyze the bi‐directional effects between physical and recognition scores over time. Higher physical performance was dynamically linked to improved recognition (−1.335, SD = 0.201, 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] [−1.725, −0.954]). The effect was short‐term, lasting up to 5 days (−0.368, SD = 0.05, 95% BCI [−0.479, −0.266]). Clinical scores supported the validity of the model and observed temporal dynamics. Higher physical performance predicted improved recognition speed accuracy in a day‐by‐day manner, providing a proof‐of‐concept for the feasibility of linking exercise training and recognition in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Highlights: Hierarchical Bayesian continuous‐time dynamic modeling approachA total of 72 repeated physical exercise (PP) and integrated recognition speed‐accuracy (IRSA) measurementsPP is dynamically linked to session‐to‐session variability of IRSAHigher PP improved IRSA in subsequent sessions in subjects with Alzheimer's dementiaShort‐term effect: lasting up to 4 days after training session [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reviews have shown that acute exercise can improve cognitive functions, especially executive functions. However, a closer look at the included studies revealed a wide inter-individual variability in the effects of exercise on cognition. Therefore, thirty-nine healthy adults (age: 19–30 years) were analyzed in a randomized, controlled cross-over study with two exercise groups (n = 13 each) and a sedentary control group (n = 13). The exercise conditions included moderate (30 min at 40–59% VO2max) and high intensity interval (five × 2 min at 90% VO2max with 3 min active recovery at 40% VO2max) treadmill exercise. The main outcome assessed was cognitive performance (attention, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) and underlying inter-individual variability in young adults. On the group level no significant group or group × time interaction effects were observed. Using a median split, we found significant differences between low and high cognitive performers regarding cognitive function following moderate and high intensity interval treadmill exercise. Furthermore, using a pre-determined threshold we could identify responders and non-responders to acute exercise. Therefore, future research should consider individual performance requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]