Research Projects

Memory performance, learning ability, and physical activity

As part of the doctoral project "SachsLernenAktiv", a current study by our doctoral student Melanie Strohbach is conducted to assess learning ability through physical activity across different age groups.

The research project aims to investigate the extent to which a moderate to high-intensity physical exercise session influences memory performance and learning ability. Children, university students, and older adults are being examined.

The first measurements already took place in April 2025. For the study, older participants (aged 64 and above) were divided into two groups following a theoretical lecture: the intervention group completed a 60-minute exercise session immediately after the lecture. Memory performance was assessed using knowledge tests and was compared across three measurement days. In addition, biomarkers (cortisol and salivary α-amylase) were collected via saliva samples, providing indirect insights into learning performance and stress levels.