The Relationship Between Anaerobic Exercise and Cognitive Performance in the Training of Future Officers

This study explores how short, high-intensity (anaerobic) exercise influences cognitive performance in future military officers. Modern operational environments require rapid adaptability, resilience, and decision-making under stress. A group of 28 military students participated in an experimental protocol including pre- and post-exercise cognitive assessments (verbal and visual memory) and a high-intensity anaerobic training session. Results indicate that anaerobic exertion differentially affects cognitive domains: verbal memory performance tended to decline under fatigue, whereas visual memory showed slight improvement. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test revealed no significant differences in verbal memory but significant differences in visual memory. Findings suggest that integrating anaerobic training into military preparation can enhance cognitive adaptability, a key requirement for the military environments.