Regular physical activity, healthy dietary habits, and good metabolic health are associated with numerous physical and cognitive health benefits. However, individuals vary substantially in their affective, motivational, and cognitive responses to exercise, and the factors contributing to this variability are not fully understood.
This prospective observational study will examine whether habitual dietary fat quality and metabolic health are associated with exercise responses, cognitive function, and academic-related outcomes in healthy young adults. Participants will complete assessments of dietary intake, body composition, metabolic health, aerobic fitness, cognitive function, and academic engagement. They will also complete a standardized moderate-intensity cycling session during which affective responses, exercise enjoyment, subjective energy, and motivation for future physical activity will be assessed.
The findings will improve understanding of how habitual dietary habits and metabolic health may influence responses to exercise and cognitive functioning and may help inform future lifestyle recommendations aimed at promoting physical activity participation, cognitive performance, and overall health.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Orthopedic injury, mobility limitation, or other physical condition that prevents safe cycling or exercise testing.
gregory.ruegsegger@uwrf.edu715-425-4945
Participants aged 18 years and older who meet eligibility criteria will complete assessments of habitual dietary intake, metabolic health, body composition, aerobic fitness, cognitive function, academic engagement, and responses to a standardized moderate-intensity cycling session. All participants will follow the same study procedures. Dietary fat quality and metabolic health will be treated as naturally occurring exposures rather than assigned interventions.
ricky.lopez@uwrf.edu715-425-4138
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