Effect of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on estimates of egocentric distance

Abstract

The goal was to explore the effect of a moderate-intensity exercise on egocentric distance estimates (the distance between the participant and an object in space) in physically trained and untrained participants (N = 54), divided into three groups of 18 national-level soccer players, 18 sedentary people, and 18 controls. Participants engaged in a distance estimation task at rest, and also while pedalling on an ergocycle for 10 min. at 60% of the maximal aerobic intensity. Estimates were recorded during pre-exercise, stability Phase 1 (between the 1st and the 2nd min. of exercise), Phase 2 (5th to 6th min.), Phase 3, (9th to 10th min.), and immediately after the exercise. Estimates of egocentric distance were more accurate in trained than untrained participants. Perception improved during and after the exercise in comparison with pre-exercise. In addition, the group x exercise interaction indi- cated estimation improved during and after exercise, with more accuracy in the trained than untrained participants. Fitness and moderate aerobic exercise improve the egocentric distance estimation in humans.