Role of Aerobic Fitness and Personality on Attentional Network Task Performance and Task Load Perception

Abstract

Since physiological factors are believed to impact mental health, researchers are curious about the relationship between aerobic fitness, personality, attention, and task load perception. The present study aimed to determine the effect of aerobic fitness and personality on attentional network task performance and task toad perception. Fifty participants completed the Rockport one-mile test and provided responses to the personality questionnaire; later, they performed the attentional network task and rated the task load on the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). The results confirmed that aerobic fitness is positively related to alertness. A positive relationship was found between extraversion and mental demand (NASA TLX) and a negative relationship between extraversion and performance. The study's findings may be applied to educational settings, counselling and sports. Per the research findings, aerobic exercise improves attention- based skills, including learning and higher cognitive functions.