Changes in the timed finger-to-nose task performance following exercise of different intensities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of exercise intensity on the timed finger-to-nose (FTN) task, a measure of upper limb coordination included in the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT2).


METHODS
A three-group crossover randomised design was used to investigate changes in FTN times at three levels of exercise intensity; no exercise/rest (NE), moderate intensity exercise (ME) and high-intensity exercise (HE). Heart rates and a rating of perceived exertion (Borg Scale) were recorded to verify the level of exercise intensity. Participants performed three trials of the timed FTN task: pre-exercise, post-exercise and 15 min after the cessation of exercise. Linear mixed models were used to compare FTN change scores associated with exercise.


RESULTS
Ninety asymptomatic participants (45♂:45♀) aged 18-32 years completed the study. Changes in FTN scores from pre-exercise showed that the HE condition was facilitated relative to NE at post-exercise (8% faster, 95% CI 5% to 10%, p<0.001) and at post-15 (3% faster, 95% CI 1% to 6%, p=0.005). ME did not show such a facilitation following exercise (2% faster, 95% CI 0% to 4%, p=0.081 and 1% faster, 95% CI 1% to 4%, p=0.225 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Performance on the FTN task is enhanced by a short period of HE, and this effect persists for at least 15 min. There was no evidence of such an effect with ME.
Sullivan
S John
SJ
Centre for Physiotherapy Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. sjohn.sullivan@otago.ac.nz
Schneiders
Anthony G
AG
Handcock
Phil
P
Gray
Andrew
A
McCrory
Paul R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult