KUO-PIN WANGChen, Li-JuLi-JuChenYu, Chien-LinChien-LinYuChen, Dong-TaiDong-TaiChenHung, Tsung-MinTsung-MinHungHsieh, Shu-ShihShu-ShihHsieh2026-02-242026-02-242026-0317552966https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105029248002&origin=resultslisthttps://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/735958Background: Acute exercise (AE) has been shown to enhance cognitive and mental functioning, yet the underlying neural dynamics across age groups remain unclear. Aim: This study examined how a 20-min bout of moderate-intensity AE modulates behavioral and neural responses supporting cognitive control. Method: Fifty-one healthy males (28 younger, 23 older adults) completed both AE (treadmill, 60–70% heart-rate reserve) and control (video watching) conditions in a counterbalanced within-subject design. EEG was recorded during a Stroop color–word task following each condition. Results: AE shortened reaction times without reducing accuracy, indicating greater processing efficiency. Event-related potential analyses revealed reduced N1/N2 amplitudes, while time–frequency results showed stronger frontal alpha desynchronization and increased theta–beta modulations. These effects reflect enhanced attentional allocation and cortical engagement. Conclusion: Collectively, findings suggest that even a single AE session can transiently optimize neural efficiency through a dual-phase mechanism—reducing early sensory and conflict-monitoring demands while facilitating later attentional and evaluative processes—highlighting exercise as a brief yet effective means to promote adaptive mental functioning across the adult lifespan.trueAgingCognitive functionEEGInhibitory controlWell-beingjournal article10.1016/j.mhpa.2026.1007602-s2.0-105029248002