Acute Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Mood and Cognitive Performance in University Students

Exercise is widely recognized for enhancing psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. However, limited research has compared the short-term effects of aerobic versus resistance exercise in young adults. Clarifying these differences may provide evidence-based guidance for exercise prescriptions aimed at improving emotional health and academic performance. In this context, this study aimed to examine and compare the acute effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on mood states and cognitive performance in university students. A randomized crossover design was implemented with 40 healthy university male students (aged 18–25 years). Each participant completed two sessions: (a) 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling and (b) 30 minutes of circuit-based resistance training, with a 48-hour washout period between sessions. Mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Cognitive performance was measured with the Digit Span Test and Stroop Test. Pre- and post-session assessments were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. It was found that aerobic exercise produced greater improvements in mood, while resistance training yielded stronger effects on working memory and executive function. Findings will advance knowledge on the psychological effects of exercise modalities and support the development of targeted interventions for emotional well-being and cognitive enhancement in young adults.